Sphinx of Amenhotep III, possibly from a Model of a Temple

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Even without the inscription, the facial features of this faience sphinx would identify it as Amenhotep III. The graceful body of the lion transforms quite naturally into human forearms and hands. In this form, the sphinx combines the protective power of the lion with the royal function of offering to the gods. The even tone of the fine blue glaze and the almost flawless condition of this sculpture make it unique among ancient Egyptian faience statuettes. Another small faience sphinx from a later period may be seen in gallery 127 (1990.25). Other sphinx statues in the collection are on display in gallery 118 (30.8.72), gallery 116 (08.202.6), gallery 115 (31.3.94, 31.3.167), gallery 111 (17.9.2), and gallery 131 (31.3.166).

Egyptian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met collection of ancient Egyptian art consists of approximately 30,000 objects of artistic, historical, and cultural importance, dating from about 300,000 BCE to the 4th century CE. A signifcant percentage of the collection is derived from the Museum's three decades of archaeological work in Egypt, initiated in 1906 in response to increasing interest in the culture of ancient Egypt.

Metropolitan Museum of Art