Great Sphinx, Left

Creator

• Unknown

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

January 1966

Time Period

circa 2600-2500 BCE

Abstract

Partial view of south side (Khafra pyramid in background)

Keywords

Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty, Ancient architecture, Limestone, Monumental sculpture, Sphinxes

Alt Text

A large stone statue of a human-headed lion stands beside a pyramid under a clear blue sky. The structure appears weathered with visible layers and details.

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-JEA0110

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Great Sphinx, Left" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 62.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/62