“Riddle me this … ” The tranquil, slightly amused countenance of this winged ivory sphinx contrasts with the usual image of these mythical creatures as mighty lion guardians. This mid-seventh-century B.C. sphinx was recovered from the sanctuary of Hera, goddess of women and marriage, at Perachora, in the territory of Corinth. The delicately carved figure displays curving wings, a triangular face with large eyes and a prominent nose, and a wig with horizontal banding. Probably originating in Egypt, the sphinx spread to the Near East (where it tended to sport wings) and appeared in Greek culture in the Late […]
