Capital in the Form of a Sphinx at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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The sculpture is a masterpiece of ancient Greek art, crafted in the Attic era around 530 B.C. It's believed to originate from Attica, where it once adorned the top of a grand tomb for a young person and a small child. Today, a plaster replica sits proudly on the original monument itself. A mythical creature with a lion's body and human head, the sphinx was a common sight in ancient times throughout the eastern Mediterranean region. In Greek art, it's often depicted as a winged female figure, guarding graves and watching over the deceased. This stunning sculpture showcases its rich history, retaining vibrant red, black, and blue pigments that have survived for centuries. The sphinx was carved separately from its foundation, then carefully secured to the capital using a metal dowel and a bed of molten lead. The capital itself is an intricate design, featuring two double spiral scrolls resembling a lyre. Even the front face boasts a beautiful painted pattern of palmettes and volutes. This incredible piece is part of "Scan The World," a groundbreaking initiative by MyMiniFactory that aims to create a comprehensive digital archive of 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the globe. Scan the World is an open-source project driven by the community, and everyone's invited to contribute. If you have unique items to share, just send an email to stw@myminifactory.com and join the movement!