A Bronze Figure of a Sphinx, Roman Imperial, circa late 1st Century B.C./early 1st Century A.D.

seated on a rectangular base with her left hindleg folded underneath and head looking up and to the right, the backswept wings with engraved detail on the undersides, her finely modeled face with dimpled chin, parted lips, aquiline nose, and eyes with indented pupils, the centrally parted hair bound in a chignon at the nape of the neck.

Leo Biaggi de Blasys (1906-1979), acquired in Switzerland in the 1950s/1960s
by descent to the present owner

Very good and as shown, tip of nose rubbed, areas of incrustation and minor corrosion, small dents and abrasions, depression on back appears to be part of manufacturing process
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a pair of related sphinxes serving as corner ornaments for a footstool in the Museo dei Conservatori in Rome see L. Pirzio Birolli Stefanelli, ed., Il bronzo dei romani: Arredo e Suppellettile, Rome, 1990, figs. 119, 136-137, and pp. 262-263, no. 30; the author dates them "della prima età augustea."

See other view on p. 118