Art and Art History Collection (Saskia)
Files
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Publisher
Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation
Publication Date
January 1966
Time Period
circa 2600-2500 BCE
Abstract
View from south-southeast, quasi-total with pyramid of Khufu in the background (face in profile)
Keywords
Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty, Ancient architecture, Limestone, Monumental sculpture, Sphinxes
Alt Text
A large stone statue of a sphinx with a pyramid in the background, set against a clear sky. The structure appears weathered and sits on a sandy surface.
Extent
1 color photograph
Geographic Location
Egypt; Giza (Egypt)
Rights
This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/
Access Restrictions
Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.
Media Type
Color photographs
Format
Digital Only
Note
This is a 4th Dynasty Old Kingdom limestone statue of a resting sphinx, a mythical creature with the head of a human and body of a lion. In ancient Egypt, these beings symbolized the power of the pharaoh, combining the human head's wisdom with the lion body's strength. This is the oldest known monumental sculpture in Egypt. The face of the figure has not been confidently attributed. This monument is 73 meters long from paw to tail, 20 meters in height from the base to the top of the head, and 19 meters wide at its rear haunches. The reason for destruction of the nose is not known but there is evidence of chisels used to break it off. The Spinx has undergone multiple modern restorations.
Identifier
A01-JEA0017
Recommended Citation
Unknown, "Great Sphinx, Front Left, A" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 41.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/41
