Design and Tradition / A short account of the principles and historic development of architecture and the applied arts

by Amor Fenn

The Sphinx

The Sphinx in Egyptian Art, always represented in a crouching position, is a combination of Lion body with human head and bust (generally female) and symbolises Intelligence and Power.

The Greek Sphinx, borrowed from the Egyptian, is generally represented in a seated attitude, and invested with wings. It had a different meaning, that of Malignity and Mystery. Probably in allusion to the tradition of the Theban sphinx that menaced the town, until her destruction was accomplished by Œdipus, who solved the riddle that had resulted fatally for his predecessors.