If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 436

Sphinx of Naxos, Greece

The photograph on this unused postcard is of the Greek Sphinx of Naxos.  Although there is no message or address on the card and it does not appear to have been used it is stamped with a date:  25 IV 58 or 25 April 1958.  It is hard to tell if this was in lieu of a stamp like some pre-stamped postcards that can be purchased.  The only other information on the reverse is “Mimosa” printed on the center dividing line and “Kiel” printed at the bottom of the center line.  I found this card in with a jumble of mixed cards at a local antique mall and was attracted by the elegance of the statue.  

Ancient sphinxes can be found in many different countries and also in more modern artwork.  During the Renaissance there was a major revival of the sphinx image in decorative art.  Stylized sphinxes, as sculptures and images, can be found in Art Deco works as well.  

Originally the Sphinx of Naxos was a 7 ft or 2.2 m tall sphinx mounted on a 32 ft or 10 m tall column with ionic capitals and erected next to the Temple of Apollo in Delphi.  Today it is displayed in the Delphi Archaeological Museum.  Unlike the Egyptian sphinx that has a male head, the Greek sphinx has a female head.  The Greek sphinx was considered to have ferocious strength and acted as a guardian with one or more often flanking a temple entrance.  Viewed as treacherous and merciless the sphinx would pose riddles to those wanting to enter or pass by her.  If the riddle could not be answered or was answered incorrectly she would kill and eat the individual. 

The sphinx was also associated with royal tombs.  Designed to look like a bird of prey, with the chest and wings composed of impressive carved feathers, the tips of the wings are turned upward.  The body is that of a lioness. 

Fragments of this statue were excavated from the Temple of Apollo sanctuary in 1860 with the remainder found in 1893.  It was carved from a large piece of Naxian marble.   The solid construction gives the impression of motion and vitality with details of hair, chest and wings.  Most carvings at the time, around 560 BC, were reliefs while this one is three-dimensional.

For additional information, see:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphinx
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphinx_of_Naxos