ticketsMember | Make a donation
English

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

New Kingdom
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 119
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).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sphinx of Amenhotep III, possibly from a Model of a Temple
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Amenhotep III
  • Date: ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt; Possibly from Upper Egypt, Thebes, Karnak
  • Medium: Faience, remains of a travertine (Egyptian alabaster) tenon
  • Dimensions: l. 25.1 cm (9 7/8 in); w. 13.3 cm (5 1/4 in); h. 13.3 cm (5 1/4 in)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1972
  • Object Number: 1972.125
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Reconstruction of a Cartouche of Amenhotep III, Faience, modern plaster and gold paint
Reconstruction of a Cartouche of Amenhotep III
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Head of a Hippopotamus, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster) with traces of gesso and red pigment
Head of a Hippopotamus
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Cosmetic Vessel in the Shape of a Cat, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), copper, quartz crystal, paint
Cosmetic Vessel in the Shape of a Cat
ca. 1990–1900 B.C.
Cosmetic Spoon in the Shape of Swimming Woman Holding a Dish, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster), steatite
Cosmetic Spoon in the Shape of Swimming Woman Holding a Dish
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Goblet Inscribed with the Names of King Amenhotep IV and Queen Nefertiti, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Goblet Inscribed with the Names of King Amenhotep IV and Queen Nefertiti
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Showing 4 of 16

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.