Preview
Creation Year
1978
Image ID
DH.076
Subcollection
DH: Delphi
Abstract
A large sphinx sculpture in Archaic style that stood atop a column near the Temple of Apollo. The sphinx was dedicated by the island of Naxos in the 6th century BCE.
Description
The Naxian Sphinx, a large marble sculpture seated atop a column that originally sat near the Temple of Apollo. The style of the face, with "almond" eyes and a beaming smile, is characteristic of the Archaic Period (700-500 BCE), and it is dated between 570 and 560 BCE. A votive offering by the island of Naxos, it stands over two meters tall, and the complete monument (sphinx and column) stood 14.4 meters, making it a prominent sight to ancient visitors. It is a standard Greek Sphinx, with a woman's head, eagle's torso, and lion's body.
Image Notes
Creation date unknown. Photograph processed July 1978. Notes written on the slide or index: Naxian sphinx - Delphi c. 570-560 B.C.
Image Format
35 mm slide
Geographic Reference
Delfoi, Greece
Keywords
Sphinx, Greek Sphinx, Marble, Sculpture, Naxos, Votive Offering, Archaic Period, Sixth Century BC, Delphi Archaeological Museum
Image Location
Rights Statement
