Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXIV 19-20 Jan 2021
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MYSIA, Kyzikos. Circa 550-450 BC. EL Stater (19mm, 16.07 g). Double-bodied sphinx, with one head facing, wearing ouraios, atop a tunny left / Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. Von Fritze I 128 (unlisted denomination); cf. Greenwell 101 (same); Boston MFA –; SNG BN –; BMC –; Gulbenkian –; Jameson –; Triton XX, lot 224; CNG 105, lot 149. Attractive light toning. Near EF. Well struck for issue. Rare as a stater.
From the Jonathan P. Rosen Collection. Ex Roma X (27 September 2015), lot 493 (hammer £18,000).
The stylistically appealing depiction of a double bodied sphinx is a design choice that is shrouded in mystery as we try to divine why it was depicted on Kyzikene coinage. Greenwell makes use of Cousinery when coming to the conclusion that the style was because it would be otherwise difficult to depict a facing sphinx. Yet, other depictions of double bodied creatures in Athens and Corinth demonstrate that the design was likely done for other reasons. The concept of double bodied monsters is fairly ancient with roots in Sumeria and Persia, but the beginning of the design of the double bodied sphinx in Greek mythology is likely Corinth. Tom Rasmussen, a proponent of this theory, is of the opinion that the design originated in Corinth as a result of Greece Orientalizing and so adopting some eastern artistic depictions. Kyzikos, well known for adapting brilliant artistic styles, likely adopted the design primarily based on its artistic merit.
From the Jonathan P. Rosen Collection. Ex Roma X (27 September 2015), lot 493 (hammer £18,000).
The stylistically appealing depiction of a double bodied sphinx is a design choice that is shrouded in mystery as we try to divine why it was depicted on Kyzikene coinage. Greenwell makes use of Cousinery when coming to the conclusion that the style was because it would be otherwise difficult to depict a facing sphinx. Yet, other depictions of double bodied creatures in Athens and Corinth demonstrate that the design was likely done for other reasons. The concept of double bodied monsters is fairly ancient with roots in Sumeria and Persia, but the beginning of the design of the double bodied sphinx in Greek mythology is likely Corinth. Tom Rasmussen, a proponent of this theory, is of the opinion that the design originated in Corinth as a result of Greece Orientalizing and so adopting some eastern artistic depictions. Kyzikos, well known for adapting brilliant artistic styles, likely adopted the design primarily based on its artistic merit.