Sphinx of Hatshepsut, Statuette of Eros and Heracles of Mantinea - Essay Example

The sculptor intends to show a contrast between the handsome face of the pharaoh and the powerful and muscular body of the lion. The sphinx was smashed into fragments by Hatshepsut’s successor and cousin, but it was later reassembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is on view in gallery 131.
The Sphinx of Hatshepsut is colossal, powerful, and beautiful.

Statuette of Eros Wearing the Lion Skin of Herakles

The Statuette of Eros depicts a winged Eros, wearing Herakles’ lion skin. The sculpture’s dimensions are 39.4 cm x 26.7cm x 16.5 cm. The sculptor used terracotta (clay-based ceramic) to produce this masterpiece back in the 1st Century B.C. The statuette belongs to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. However, the Statuette of Eros is not on view. The sculpture is slightly in motion because Eros’s left hand is extended while his left hand is hidden behind his back. Ero’s posture shows that he is standing, but the arms show that there may be small movements. Ero wears lion skin that covers him from head to toe. There are traces of red on his chest, perhaps from the lion’s blood. Eros wears a circle on his left thigh and a bracelet on his upper left arm. The sculpture captures the viewer because it portrays Eros as Herakles. The Statuette is chubby, beautiful (wings and ornaments), and seductive.
Heracles of Mantinea

Heracles of Mantinea or Heracles Combattant is a muscular representation of Heracles in action. The small structure is a representation of ancient Greek art and was sculpted between the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. The figure is made out of bronze and is 13 cm tall. The sculpture is located in Room 22, Sully Wing of the Louvre Museum in Paris. However, the room is currently not open to the public. The small bronze represents a bearded man who appears to be taking a lunge with his left foot. Heracles’ right arm is raised behind his head (as if grabbing his mythical club), whereas his left arm is stretched forward (as if clasping something/someone). The aforementioned attributes, along with the powerful musculature, are a clear indication that the figure is a representation of the Greek legend (known as Hercules in Rome and the modern West). The sculpture is powerful, masculine, and aggressive.

Part 2
Drawing of the Sphinx

Drawing of Eros’ Statuette

Drawing of Heracles from Mantinea

Part 3
An image resembling the Sphinx

The above image shows a very close resemblance to the Sphinx of Hatshepsut because of the stance, the beautiful face, and the masculine body of a lion.
Image Resembling the Statuette of Eros

The above image bears the same stance as the Statuette of Eros. Although, the figure in the image lacks the lion skin, the pose and arm position shows a very close resemblance to the Statuette of Eros.
An image resembling Heracles of Mantinea

The above image represents a strong man holding a club with his right hand and clasping a bow with his left hand, which is outstretched as if reaching for something. The lion's skin also makes it clear that the figure is a representation of Heracles. Read More