\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 The face of this sphinx is the only portrait of the pharaoh Amenemhet to have come down to us.\par
This fantastic animal, with the bo
dy of a lion and a human head, is the symbol of Egypt. It was the guardian of the land of the Nile and its people.\par
The pharaoh was often identified with the sphinx to underline his power.\par
This colossal sculpture was reutilized by several succes
sive kings. In fact the hieroglyphs carved on its body give the names of four different pharaohs.\par
In spite of its dimensions, the sphinx is not ungainly or stiff. The artist has imparted a sense of vigor to the lionÆs body, in part through the use o
f highly stylized features: note the thin stripes on the breast that reproduce the mane and the simple design of the claws.\par
The sovereignÆs face conveys a feeling of solemnity through the large eyes fixed on the horizon and the slightly scornful way
the lips are set.\par
He is wearing the \i nemes\i0 , the typical headgear of the pharaohs. It was made of blue fabric with gold rays that evoked sunbeams. His chin is adorned a the false beard.\par
A neckband solves the problem of joining the statues
two parts since it covers the point of transition between the human and feline parts.\b \par
