The Sphinx of Queen Hatshepsut

Dating back to the 18^th dynasty (or New Kingdom), it carries a scroll on its chest with the name of  Pharaoh Thutmosis III (1504-1450 B.C.), son of the woman shown who set her son aside to govern herself. It is a rare example of a female sphinx and it shows signs of damage to its paws and its chest from hammer blows. It was found in 1856 in Campo Marzio, the area that during the classical era was occupied by egyptian cults such as  Iseo Campense with the great temple dedicated to Isis and Serapis.

THINGS TO KNOW: In order to take possession of this work, the collector Giovanni Barracco was obliged to ask permission of the King of Italy.