A very good and substantial pair of antique grand tour sphinxes in patinated bronze, gilt bronze, red and black marble.The sphinx is an iconic image of a recumbent lion with a human head, invented by the Egyptians of the Old Kingdom, but a cultural import in archaic Greek mythology. Generally is seen as the body of a lion and the head of a man as in this case it has the head of a Pharaoh. The very well cast and finished patinated bronze and gilt bronze Sphinx with hieroglyphics to the sides. French circa 1880 22cm High by 28cm Long and 13cm Wide