Achthoekig paneel met sfinx aan weerskanten 1634 - 1716

Nicolas Pierre Loir created this octagonal panel with sphinxes in the 17th century. The mythical creature, the sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a human, flanks the central scene. Originating in ancient Egypt, the sphinx was a guardian, a symbol of power and wisdom. Observe how Loir's sphinx differs from its Egyptian forebears, reflecting a classical Graeco-Roman influence, a transformation that mirrors the cultural shifts across millennia. Note how the image resonates with a collective memory of ancient mysteries and the human quest for knowledge, with these composite beings representing both the earthly and the intellectual. The image’s emotional power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of timelessness. Sphinxes have resurfaced throughout history, evolving and adapting to new cultural landscapes, yet their core symbolism remains a potent reminder of humanity's enduring fascination with the enigmatic and the eternal.