The Sphinx Is Both A Polytheistic Society And Culture

1) In what kind of society/culture was the object produced? Is it a monotheistic or polytheistic society? What type of government does the society have?

The Sphinx was made in the Ancient Egyptian society, originally carved in the Middle Kingdom around 1938-1213 BCE. The Egyptian people were a polytheistic culture, meaning that they believed in many gods. Egypt was ruled by a single king, a Pharaoh, therefore, their government would be considered a type of monarchy.

2) Who was the patron who commissioned the object? Why did he/she commission it?

The original patron who commissioned the object is unknown, however it is safe to assume that a Pharaoh commissioned the piece. Later, the Sphinx was reused by Ramses II and his son and successor,

What was its original function or purpose? (Again, if this information is not known, make an educated guess and explain.)

The Sphinx was originally located and built in the Middle Kingdom. According to the Penn Museum’s label, the sphinx was quarried at Aswan and was transported to Memphis via the river. Its original function may have been in tribute to the god Thoth and/or the Pharaoh or the original patron, or it may have been built to help protect the citizens and Pharaoh of the

There is evidence of this in many Egyptian artifacts where the image of a Sphinx is present. Also, there are multiple statues of Sphinxes in different areas throughout Egypt, including the Great Sphinx of Giza. I believe that Sphinxes are also depicted in temples, burial grounds, and paintings.

3) How does this subject relate to the object’s context? Does the object reference a religious belief, type of government, social convention, myth or historical event? If so, what?

The Sphinx references the Egyptian society’s religion, government, ideology, and myths. Egyptians often build Sphinxes as homage to their gods and to ask for protection. The Sphinx also represented their king and his power, the Pharaoh, who would have commissioned the statue at the time. I believe, if I’m not mistaken, that the Sphinx represented many things to the Egyptian people and played important roles in their mythology.

STYLE

1) Describe the fundamental visual elements of your object, including: composition (if you are describing a scene), line, texture, color, and shape. Was the object originally monochromatic or polychromatic? Is it two-dimensional or