Sphinx of Kings Ramesses II and Merenptah
GEM Number
Collection
Period
Dynasty
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.