Amphora with Two Sphinxes

The main side of the vase depicts two seated sphinxes facing each other separated by a vertical lotus flower. On the other side, the vase painter painted a bearded siren on the left and a roaring lion on the right. The appearance of wild animals (lions, panthers) and mythical creatures (sphinxes, sirens) as decorative subjects was largely due to the influence of oriental levantine models. Wild animals were used as strong symbols of power, possibly even indicating divine power or authority, while mythical creatures were probably of an apotropaic nature.

N.P. GOULANDRIS COLLECTION NO 0953

Replica in clay