Sphinx of Kings Ramesses II and Merenptah

Sphinx of Kings Ramesses II and Merenptah
Sphinx of Kings Ramesses II and Merenptah
 

GEM Number

6760

Collection

Grand Stairs

Period

New Kingdom

Dynasty

18

Description

This red granite sphinx was discovered among the ruins of the Great Temple of Amun at Tanis (San el-Hagar) in the Eastern Delta. Stylistic details indicate that it was originally a Middle Kingdom monument. The small mouth, almond-shaped eyes, thick eyelids, prominent ears, strong arches of the eyebrows, round cheeks and the treatment of the stripes of the nemes headcloth are all features specific to royal statuary from the end of Dynasty 12 to the beginning of Dynasty 13. The royal names of Ramesses II and Merenptah on the statue are marks of later reuse of the monument in Dynasty 19. Rulers of the Third Intermediate Period had the statue moved to Tanis (San el-Hagar), which became the seat of power during Dynasties 21 and 22.

Region
Lower Egypt
Area
Sharqiya
Granite

Height

170 cm

Width

98 cm