In Egyptian mythology, the Sphinx was a creature that had a human head and the body of a lion. In one legend, a winged Sphinx asked the riddle, "What is it that has one voice year becomes four-footed and two-footed and three-footed?" The Sphinx would eat anyone that could not give the proper answer.
The Great Sphinx located in Giza, Egypt is perhaps the most famous. It is thought to be over 4,000 years old. The face of the Sphinx represents a portrait of the pharaoh Khafre. It is one of the largest sculptures in the world at 240 feet (73 meters) in length and 66 feet (20 meters) in height. In Arabic, it was called "Father of Terror." One legend credits Napoleon's army for breaking the Sphinx's nose with a cannon.
The Sphinx, although ancient, remains a popular culture icon. It is a symbol of Egypt. Various styles of Spinx feature in classical art from around the world, from Asia to Spain. It has also appeared in films and series such as Scooby Doo, Peabody and Sherman, and many others.
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Would you like to draw the mysterious Sphinx? This easy, step-by-step Sphinx drawing tutorial is here to help. All you will need is a sheet of paper and a pen, pencil, or marker.
If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Sunset, Desert, and Mountains.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Drawing the Sphinx
1. Begin by sketching the Sphinx's face. Use curved lines to outline the face and ear. Detail the inner ear with a "3" shaped line. Use curved and straight lines to draw the false beard.
2. Draw the Sphinx's headdress or crown. Enclose a curved trapezoid on top of the head, noting the curved line at the center. Enclose a triangular shape on each side of the face. Notice that the lower point is replaced with a short straight line. Draw curved lines from point to point on the near side of the crown, giving it a three-dimensional appearance.
3. Use a series of curved lines to sketch the Sphinx's forearm and paw. Notice the overlapping "C" shape of the toes and the line on the forearm that makes it appear muscular.
4. Draw a rectangle on the Sphinx's chest. Draw a vertical line on one side of it.
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5. Use a series of curved lines to sketch the forearm and paw. Notice the lines that cause the arm to appear muscular.
6. Draw a curved line and double it back upon itself to form the Sphinx's curved tail. Then, use curved lines to outline the back and rump.
7. Use curved lines to outline the rear leg, and enclose the paw by forming the toes.
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8. Draw straight, horizontal lines across the sides of the crown.
9. Draw a circle within a circle at the center of the crown, and connect it to the bottom with a pair of short, curved lines. This forms the uraeus, or symbolic cobra. Draw straight, vertical lines across the top of the crown. Then, use curved lines to detail the face. Enclose triangular shapes to form the eyes and a broken nose, and use short lines to indicate the eyebrows, mouth, and chin.
Color your Sphinx. The large Sphinx statue in Egypt is a sandy or light brown color.
Did you solve the riddle of the Sphinx? What has one voice but is one-, two-, and three-footed? The answer is a man. He crawls in infancy, walks in adulthood, and uses a cane in old age.
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