The Bronze Sphinx of Thutmose III is a statuette of a sphinx made during the 18th Dynasty of Egypt under the reign of Thutmose III, who ruled from c. 1479 to 1425 BCE. Adorned with multiple symbols of royal power, it might have been an element or a lock. It was purchased by the Louvre in 1826, and is part of the permanent collections in the display case 4 in Room 637 (formerly 24), Sully Wing, first floor.

Bronze Sphinx of Thutmose III
The Bronze Sphinx of Thutmose III, on display at the Louvre museum
Artist	Unknown
Year	circa 1479 to 1425 BCE
Medium	Bronze with gold inlays
Subject	Sphinx, Thutmose III
Dimensions	7.80 cm × 3.85 cm × 8.85 cm (3.07 in × 1.52 in × 3.48 in)
Location	Louvre, Paris
Owner	Department of Egyptian Antiquities of the Louvre
Accession	E 10897
Website	Sphinx de Thoutmosis III

Symbolism

The statuette is adorned with gold inlays highlighting symbols of royal power. The sphinx depicts Pharaoh reclining on the Nine bows, which represent the traditional enemies of Egypt brought to submission. The front of the statuette uses the lapwing Rekhyt bird to spell: "all the people give praise", using the basket hieroglyph V30 𓎠 ("nb") for "all"; the lapwing hieroglyph G24 𓅛 ("rḫyt") for "the people"; and the star hieroglyph N14 𓇼 for "praising" (this is a rebus). Djed pillars of "Dominion" adorn on the side of the statuette.

Sources and references

• Sphinx de Thoutmosis III, www.louvre.fr

На других языках

[es] Esfinge de bronce de Tutmosis III