Lot 1253
Rare Graeco-Roman Sphinx in Bronze. Roman Egypt, c. late 1st century BC. - 2nd century AD. The sphinx stands on stumpy legs, and is shown in the traditional manner with long lapet wig, and the panel of a kilt draped over the front legs. The face is treated in an almost portrait-like manner, the plump features recalling those of Nero or Domitian. The creature on rectangular base, a little eroded at the rear. Otherwise intact and well modeled and preserved, with green patina. Length: 2-5/8", on custom base. Interesting and very rare.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,000.
This is the image of the god Tutu (Tithoes, in Greek), whose early appearances in the Egyptian pantheon begin in the later 2nd century BC. He was a popular god in the Ptolemaic period, and more so in the Roman. The god provided protection against demons, and his appearance as a striding sphinx was often combined with symbols of his power, plus visual references to demons and other divinities - - often as an apotropaic aid against diseases. By Roman times his stature increased to where he had become a major god in his own right. His representations are seen most often in reliefs, rather than in-the-round sculptures. Cf. especially Berman, Cleveland, no. 359, a fragmentary miniature sculpture of the god ("… representations of Tutu in the round are rare.").
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