Where is the Sphinx of Naxos?

The sphinx is at the Delphi Archaeological Museum. Its original Ionic column base remains at the sanctuary site.

How big is the Sphinx of Naxos?

The sphinx measures 222 cm (7 ft 3 in) tall. Atop its column, the complete monument reached over 12 meters, dominating the sanctuary approach.

Why did Naxos dedicate this monument?

The wealthy island of Naxos displayed piety and prestige through expensive dedications. Major sanctuaries filled with monuments from competing Greek cities.

What is the sphinx's significance?

Sphinxes served as guardian figures in Greek sanctuaries. Their hybrid form, combining human intelligence with animal power, protected sacred spaces from evil.

Where Is Sphinx of Naxos? Museum Location

Ancient Greek The Sphinx of Naxos perched atop a column over 12 meters tall, guarding the sacred precinct at Delphi from around 560 BCE. The marble creature combines a woman's head with a lion's body and eagle's wings, the hybrid form common throughout ancient Mediterranean cultures. Carved from Naxian marble, the sphinx exemplifies Archaic Greek sculpture's blend of Eastern influences and emerging Greek style.

The people of Naxos, a wealthy Cycladic island, dedicated the monument as a display of piety and prestige. Sphinxes served as guardians in Greek sanctuaries, their intimidating forms warding off evil. This example's serene "archaic smile" and stylized feathers show sculptors still developing techniques that would mature in later periods.

The sphinx now stands in the Delphi Archaeological Museum, removed from its column base for preservation.

Sphinx of Naxos

Details

Where to See It

The Artist

More by Ancient Greek (Unknown)

Lion felling a bull, from a marble pediment

Marble statue of a lion

Fragment of a Funerary Naiskos (Monument in the Shape of a Temple)

Marble Statue of a Kouros (Youth)

Also at Delphi Archaeological Museum

Charioteer of Delphi

About Sphinx of Naxos

Own Art Like This