Regency Period Lead Sphinx

Paperweight representing a sphinx
Regency period
Patined lead cast
Plinth added in oak (modern)
H.18 cm: base 18 x 10.5 cmT

he female face is wearing the Egyptian nemes and a diadem. The front legs rest on a volute and frame a faun's head.

The theme of the sphinx or sphinx was widely declined during the 18th century and regularly used as an element of andirons or paperweights.

The sphinx or sphinx is the union of strength and extreme ferocity represented by the body of the lion; then intelligence, reflection and prudence represented by the human head. The term "sphinx" is currently given to sphinxes of female form (as is the case with the female winged sphinxes of Gouzana in Syria and Greece) and to sphinxes of Egyptian form with a female bust (sphinx of the Tuileries Gardens).