Egyptian Sphinx and Pyramid at Night

Submitted For Nibblefest "Mythology" Themed Contest:

Sphinx: Mythical beast of ancient Egypt, (with sacred solar associations) frequently symbolizing the pharaoh as an incarnation of the sun god Ra. The sphinx was represented in sculpture usually in a recumbent position with the head of a man and the body of a lion, although some were constructed with rams' heads and others with hawks' heads. (Mine has a human head). Thousands of sphinxes were built in ancient Egypt; the most famous is the Great Sphinx at Giza, a colossal figure sculptured out of natural rock, near the pyramid of Khafre. It was considered by the ancients one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Western name "Sphinx" was given to it in antiquity based on the legendary Greek creature with the body of a lion and the head of a woman, though Egyptian sphinxes have the head of a man.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J. K. Rowling (of Harry Potter fame) reveals that Egyptian sphinxes are "highly intelligent" and have been used by wizards and witches to guard valuables and secret hideaways for over a millennium.

My sphinx sports a metallic gold nose-ring, and sits in front of a pyramid and guards it's "valuables" inside. I wouldn't try to get past this guy, if I were you! He may look sweet, but don't anger him or you will really hear him ROAR!!

It is nighttime, and the moon is glowing in the deep blue sky. (The blue is a bit deeper than these photos show; a bit more of a midnight blue shade).

This large piece measures 20x24x.75" and some of the colors that I used are: creamy buttermilk, black, pthalo blue, and ultramarine blue, metallic gold, burnt sienna, and titanium white. The sides are painted black, so it's ready to hang. I signed it on the back.

I show several photos here, including a picture of how it might look with furniture, but PLEASE NOTE: Scale is approximate in that photo; please see dimensions listed for exact measurements.