This marble sphinx statue is Roman, and dates back to 120 – 140 CE. It was excavated in Italy at the Villa of Antoninus Pius. The dimensions are as follows: height 84 cm; width 80cm; and depth 55cm. The marble sphinx was probably used as a table support. It is housed at the British Museum. This sphinx has the head of a woman, the body of a dog, and the wings of an eagle. It is sitting upright on its hind legs. Its posture and facial expression look very noble, and also help to draw the eye vertically up and down when looking at it head on. The sculpture has many engraved lines in the wings which make it look very real. There are also engraved lines in the hair and chest of the women for detail. These lines on the wings and head give the sculpture texture which contrasts the smooth body. Sources: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?assetId=501668001&objectId=398995&partId=1
