Skip to main content
Items Similar to Early 19th Century English Regency Greek Revival Gilt Carving of a Sphinx
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century
Gilt Madame Pompadour Sphinx
Gilt Madame Pompadour Sphinx
19th Century Rare Greco Roman Sphinx in Terracotta
19th Century Rare Greco Roman Sphinx in Terracotta
1970s Egyptian Style Sphinx Sculpture in Patinated Bronze
1970s Egyptian Style Sphinx Sculpture in Patinated Bronze
reclining lion in finely chased bronze - Italy, 15th century
reclining lion in finely chased bronze - Italy, 15th century
Animal Bronze with Bronze Lion, Early 20th Century
Animal Bronze with Bronze Lion, Early 20th Century
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

Early 19th Century English Regency Greek Revival Gilt Carving of a Sphinx

$2,900
£2,185.07
€2,554.09
CA$4,106.69
A$4,182.22
CHF 2,400.77
MX$50,466.04
NOK 27,823.71
SEK 28,205.91
DKK 19,095.45

About the Item

From the 1700s through the early 1800s, European aristocrats developed a fascination with ancient Egyptian culture and design that culminated in a full Egyptian Revival. Prominent figures such as Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned rooms decorated with Egyptian motifs. This cultural moment reflects a fascination with a sophisticated civilization of great artists and pharaohs. The Regency era possessed very little knowledge of the Great Pyramids or hieroglyphics, a quality that lent Egyptian art interpretation a compelling air of mystique. This English Regency period gilt carving depicts a popular figure of borrowed Egyptian motif: the Sphinx. Recognized among educated circles as a symbol of brilliance in the ancient past, the Sphinx was well-known as a mythological creature who destroys those who failed to answer her riddle. Such a piece as this, excellent in detail and craftsmanship, may have once graced the mantle of a gentleman’s study or been exchanged as a gift between British scholars. The beautiful gold surface has been achieved by an artful combination of gilt and gesso; the art enthusiast will appreciate the intricate texture realized in the carving’s hair and tail as well as the delicate detailing of the saddle. Borrowing from the Egyptians, the Greeks had their own interpretation of the Sphinx. Greek mythology chronicled the Sphinx as being the daughter of Orthous and Chimera or Laius and attributed the riddles, which she proposed, as having been taught to her by the Muses. Crowned with a Grecian diadem and having a refined expression, she evokes an ancient yet reserved intellect. For the modern-day enthusiast of classical Greek art or mythology, this Regency-era carving would make a compelling addition to an office or living room mantle. H= 13 in. W= 18.5 in. D= 4.5 in. 5 lbs.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)Width: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)Depth: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
  • Style:
    Regency (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Gesso,Giltwood,Gold Leaf,Gilt,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted
  • Place of Origin:
    England
  • Period:
    Early 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1815
  • Condition:
    Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use. Wear on the gilt & faint cracking on the gesso, not readily noticeable in some areas, such as a hairline crack on the gilt, on the inner right front paw (see image). The nose has been repaired & spots re-gilt, like both sides of the neck & tail tip.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU7185233773292

More From This Seller

View All
19th Century French Napoleon III Empire Gilt Bronze Clock with Hunting Motifs

19th Century French Napoleon III Empire Gilt Bronze Clock with Hunting Motifs

19th Century French Napoleon III Empire Gilt Bronze Clock with Hunting Motifs

Located in Chicago, IL

This circa 1850 French mantel clock showcases a stunning figurative design made from cast gilt bronze. It depicts a hunter with a rabbit slung over the top curve of the clock case. T...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Circa 1925 Italian Neoclassical Greek Revival Bench by P. Mazzetti

Circa 1925 Italian Neoclassical Greek Revival Bench by P. Mazzetti

Circa 1925 Italian Neoclassical Greek Revival Bench by P. Mazzetti

Located in Chicago, IL

This Circa 1925, Italian bench was crafted in the early part of the twentieth century in the Florence workshop of P. Mazzetti. Incised maker's mark, item number, and artisan initials appear on the left corner of the rear base: "P. Mazzetti, Terre Cotta, Via Arentina 3E, Riproduzione Interdetta 345 Firenze". Beautifully molded Plaster of Paris sphinx statues support...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches

Materials

Plaster, Pine

Late 19th-Century French Louis XVI-Revival Ormolu Porcelain Ornamental Guéridon

Late 19th-Century French Louis XVI-Revival Ormolu Porcelain Ornamental Guéridon

Late 19th-Century French Louis XVI-Revival Ormolu Porcelain Ornamental Guéridon

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Chicago, IL

French Louis XVI Revival ormolu (fire gilt, mercury-gilt bronze) and Sèvres style porcelain guéridon, made in France c.1890–1910 and retailed by Spaulding & Co., Chicago. Designe...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Mounted Objects

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Flush Mount with Etched Glass

Early 20th Century Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Flush Mount with Etched Glass

Early 20th Century Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Flush Mount with Etched Glass

Located in Chicago, IL

Louis XVI's designs are characterized by a combination of elegance and neoclassicism. Many items during this period feature ancient Greek motifs, gilt bronze, and sun ornaments. Thes...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Flush Mount

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Black Slate and Marble Mantel Clock

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Black Slate and Marble Mantel Clock

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Black Slate and Marble Mantel Clock

Located in Chicago, IL

This Circa 1900 French Black Slate and Marble Mantel Clock is a formidable and visually stunning timepiece that commands attention. Atop the clock sits a large, patinated bronze lion...

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Marble, Slate, Brass

Large Pair of 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Sconces

Large Pair of 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Sconces

Large Pair of 19th Century French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Sconces

Located in Chicago, IL

This pair of circa 1900 French Empire-style gilt bronze sconces showcases the mythological figure Acantha, a nymph beloved by the god Apollo. According to legend, Apollo transformed ...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

You May Also Like

Gilt Madame Pompadour Sphinx

Gilt Madame Pompadour Sphinx

Gilt Madame Pompadour Sphinx

Located in Atlanta, GA

Gilt Madame Pompadour or DuBarry Sphinx, France, circa late 19th Century - Early 20th Century. This could be a depiction of either Madame Pompadour or Madame DuBarry, who were both m...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Egyptian Revival Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Resin

19th Century French Empire Bronze Sphinx Sculpture on Marble Base

19th Century French Empire Bronze Sphinx Sculpture on Marble Base

19th Century French Empire Bronze Sphinx Sculpture on Marble Base

Located in Queens, NY

French Empire style (19th Cent) bronze reclining sphinx figure mounted on a rectangular black marble base

Category

Antique 19th Century French Egyptian Revival Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Sphinx 1833 Felix Austin England Gargen Sculpture

Antique Sphinx 1833 Felix Austin England Gargen Sculpture

Antique Sphinx 1833 Felix Austin England Gargen Sculpture

Located in Munich, DE

This very impressive sphinx is fully signed and dated on the plinth 'Felix Austin 1833, England'. This monumental sculpture is made of artificial limestone, an invention of F. Austin. The sculpture is made for outdoors and is weather resistant. The plinth is contemporary and custom made out painted wood. Literature: John P.S. Davis, Antique Garden Ornament...

Category

Antique 1830s English William IV Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century

Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century

Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century

Located in Knivsta, SE

Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century A charming Empire-period paperweight featuring a finely cast gilt bronze sphinx resting on a rectan...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Paperweights

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Regency period bronze figure of a Sphinx on a Sienna marble base

Antique Regency period bronze figure of a Sphinx on a Sienna marble base

Antique Regency period bronze figure of a Sphinx on a Sienna marble base

Located in London, GB

A mid-19th Century well-cast Model of the Sphinx of Giza mounted on veined marble base.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Egyptian Revival Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Lovely 19th Century Victorian Gold Gilt Bronze Recumbent Lion Laying Down

Lovely 19th Century Victorian Gold Gilt Bronze Recumbent Lion Laying Down

Lovely 19th Century Victorian Gold Gilt Bronze Recumbent Lion Laying Down

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer this stunning late 19th century Italian grand tour Recumbent Lion A very good looking and decorative piece that looks expensive and important in any set...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

More Ways To Browse

Antique Greek Revival
Antique Chimera
Glass Sculpture Nude
Hand Carved Wooden Figurines
Jean Baptiste Carpeaux
Large Roman Sculpture
Life Size Marble Sculpture
Marble Sculpture Plinth
Nike Goddess
Philippines Carved Wood
Red Statues
Rococo Putti
Saint Michael
Sculpture Female Signed
Small Marble Sculpture
Used Bagpipes
Used Neptune Furniture
Victor Horta
View All Popular Figurative Sculptures Searches