In St. Petersburg, amidst the splendor of palaces and parks, one can encounter unusual sculptures of ancient sphinxes. Over time, they have become an integral part of the city's architecture and have accumulated numerous myths and legends, adding to the city's mystery. Old and relatively new, friendly and frightening, brought from Egypt and cast in St. Petersburg workshops, they invariably attract the attention of residents and guests alike.

Unusual Animals

Many are familiar with hairless cats, such as Canadian and Don sphinxes. These breeds are very popular, bred in nurseries and sold worldwide for large sums. Sphinxes are attached to people, make excellent companions, and do not cause allergies, unlike their furry counterparts. Sometimes they even receive hair removal treatments at salons. They are named for their resemblance to mythical creatures from Greek and Egyptian mythology.

Guardian of the Pharaoh

Sphinxes are first mentioned in Egyptian mythology during the Old Kingdom, in the III-VI dynasties. Egypt is home to the oldest monumental sculpture on the planet, the Great Sphinx of Giza, which features a figure with a lion's body and a human face. The head is adorned with a headcloth, a symbol of royal authority, leading scholars to suggest that the sphinx embodies Pharaoh Khafre, who is credited with creating the monument.

Sphinxes became symbols of the strength and power of royal authority, the divine essence of the pharaoh, and the stability of his reign. In Egypt, three main types of sphinx iconography are distinguished, with the androsphinx being the most well-known, depicted with a human face.

Further Spread

The Greeks also depicted creatures with lion bodies but with female heads, wings, and bull tails. These figures often stand or sit, unlike the Egyptian ones, which are depicted lying down.

Later, the image of the sphinx penetrated Christian culture, becoming one of the emblems of the Savior in the 5th century. This is related to the fact that pagan images continued to influence the minds of monks and ascetics.

Sphinxes appear in literature, art, occult teachings, Freemasonry, and even psychoanalysis. For example, their images were explored by Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

Southern Guests on Northern Shores

In Greece and Egypt, sphinxes are commonplace, but their presence in St. Petersburg still causes surprise. Sphinxes can be found on embankments, in gardens, squares, near museums, and even on rooftops. Their images adorn the entrances to public establishments.

This is linked to the fashion for Eastern culture that swept Europe in the 19th century, which also reached St. Petersburg. The neo-Egyptian style significantly influenced the city's appearance, making it more mysterious and enigmatic.

Sphinxes Guarding St. Petersburg

The most famous sculptures are located on the University Embankment near the Academy of Arts. These are classic androsphinxes with human heads and meticulously crafted facial features. Two statues adorn the pier with 14 granite steps, designed as an architectural complement to the facade of the Academy.

Initially, a sculptural group titled "Horse Tamers" was planned for the site, symbolizing man's victory over nature. However, due to the high cost of casting work, the horses adorned the Anichkov Bridge, and sphinxes appeared on the pier.

History of Appearance

In the 1820s, in the ancient city of Thebes in Egypt, Yannis Atanazi was excavating on behalf of British consul Henry Salt. Two sphinx figures in excellent condition were found near the temple of Amenhotep III. These pink granite sculptures held historical and artistic value. The finds were brought to Alexandria, where they were accidentally seen by Russian traveler Andrei Nikolayevich Muravyov.

Impressed by the beauty of the sphinxes, he informed his homeland about the possibility of acquiring them. While the deal was being negotiated, the statues were purchased by the French. However, in 1830, a revolution occurred in Paris, and the sphinxes were forgotten. Ultimately, Russia acquired the monuments for 64,000 rubles.

In May 1832, the figures arrived in Kronstadt and then at the Academy of Arts. Their installation on granite pedestals completed the arrangement of the pier, which was ceremoniously opened in 1834.

Fact:

The sphinxes were not immediately loved by the residents of St. Petersburg. Initially, they were regarded with suspicion, believed to bring misfortune, especially to newlyweds. Over time, the sculptures acquired local legends, and now people come to them to rub their paws and make wishes.

Appearance

The ancient sphinxes are made of pink Aswan granite. Each figure weighs about 23 tons, is 5.2 m long, and 4.5 m high. The sphinxes lie on either side of the pier on granite pedestals facing each other. The features of the sphinxes resemble the appearance of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. The crowns on their heads were transported and installed separately.

The eastern figure was damaged during loading onto the ship in Alexandria, leaving marks on the headcloth. When it fell, the sculpture broke the side and damaged the mast, and the rope left a deep mark on its face, which was later corrected. The sphinxes also have broken chins and beards, which occurred around 3,500 years ago during the time of the pharaohs.

There are damages on the back of the sphinx, a fragment of the tail and plinth is missing. The upper part of the uraeus, a symbol of royal authority, has also not survived. However, the inscriptions on the plinth have remained almost intact.

The western sphinx has survived worse due to lower quality material. It has lost part of the uraeus, and there are noticeable chips and damages on the crown. Experts note less detail in its appearance and mistakes by the sculptor, which were later corrected. According to one version, this sphinx was made first, hence the flaws.

Further History

The sculptures are still located on the University Embankment by the Academy of Arts, although there are disputes about their possible relocation. Harsh winds and high humidity are detrimental to the ancient sphinxes, as the granite gradually weathers, causing cracks. During the war, the sculptures were covered with wooden boxes, which saved them from serious damage, but they still suffered.

The first restoration was carried out in 1959, correcting the consequences of bombings and returning the monuments' lost griffin figures. The second restoration in 2002 allowed for an assessment of the sculptures' condition and a more extensive restoration, including repairs to the crown of the eastern figure.

Cultural Influence

Since their appearance on the Academy Embankment, these sculptures have inspired artists, poets, and musicians. They inspired Pushkin, Blok, and Bryusov. They were depicted in the works of Sadovnikov, Galaktionov, and Vereshchagin. Mentions of the sphinxes can be found among contemporary creative figures and rock bands, including "DDT." This place was loved by Vysotsky, and his fans hold memorial evenings there.

Myths of the Egyptian Bridge

The sphinxes by the Fontanka are no less famous. Built in 1825 by engineers V. K. Treter and V. A. Khristianovich, the chain bridge became one of the most famous. Four sphinx figures, cast from models by Pavel Sokolov, are installed on either side. Although they are influenced by Greek motifs, they are considered the most beautiful in the city. They are distinguished by elegant female faces and torsos, with a general fluidity of forms. Historians believe that the sculptor was inspired by portraits of Alexander I's wife.

After the bridge collapsed in 1905, a more reliable single-span bridge was built in its place. The sphinxes were included in the new project, harmoniously fitting into the panorama. In 2004, they were sent for restoration, during which the gilding was restored and the paint layer updated.

Twin Brothers

Almost exact copies of the sphinxes from the Egyptian Bridge can be found at Kamenny Ostrov. They also belong to Sokolov, but their appearance at Malaya Neva remains a mystery. According to one version, this was a trial version for the Egyptian Bridge. After correcting the flaws, the sculptor made new sphinxes, and these were forgotten. They appeared on the embankment in the 1970s, and after restoration in 2010, they were reinstalled in their original place.

The Scariest

The sphinxes on the University Embankment, while famous, are not the most astonishing. On the Left Bank of the Neva, near the Bolshoi Okhtinsky Bridge, one can find sculptures by Mikhail Shemyakin, part of a monument to the victims of repression. The memorial is located near the "Kresty" detention center. The figures are made in the "modern" style and differ from classical examples.

The bodies of the sphinxes are thin, with protruding ribs. The female faces are divided into two parts: one represents an elegant profile, the other, a skull. Inscriptions dedicated to the repressions are located on the plinths of the sphinxes. Otherwise, the figures repeat the classic image.

Fact:

According to the author, the sphinxes from the University Embankment inspired the creation of these figures.

The location for the memorial was chosen deliberately. Many political prisoners served their sentences in "Kresty." Nearby is the "Big House," the building for the NKVD administration.

The Oldest Sphinxes

Despite the fame of the figures on the University Embankment, the first sculptures in St. Petersburg appeared at the Stroganov Palace. The building was constructed according to Rastrelli's design between 1752-1754 in the Baroque style.

The author of the sphinxes is unknown. Initially, they adorned the entrance to the Stroganov dacha, and then in 1908, they were moved in front of the palace.

The figures are made in the Greek tradition from pink granite and look concise. In the 18th century, Egyptian culture was not yet widespread, and the craftsmen lacked experience in creating mythical images. The sphinxes lie on low pedestals, making them easily reachable. City residents come to them to rub their paws and ask for luck.

Few know that copies of these sculptures adorned the dacha of Count Alexander Bezborodko. The building's design was prepared by Giacomo Quarenghi. In the early 19th century, the estate was enclosed with a fence featuring lion sculptures, and sphinxes were installed at the ends of the pier. They were then lost and reclaimed their place in the mid-20th century when the area began to be reconstructed. It was then that copies of the Stroganov sphinxes were made.

Inaccessible Landmarks

Some of the most beautiful monuments are located in the courtyard of the Mining Institute. The building was constructed between 1806-1811 according to Voronikhin's design. Initially, the sphinxes adorned the interior halls, and then they were moved to the courtyard.

The monuments are made in the Greek style with lion bodies, female torsos, and heads. They are distinguished by detail and abundance of features. The black figures stand out beautifully against the greenery and are of interest to photographers.

Where Else to Find Sphinxes?

The most unusual sphinxes can be found on the Petrograd side in the park of composer Andrei Petrov. The garden is adorned with thematic sculptures, among which are violin-sphinxes. They resemble mythical creatures only in silhouette, as they have violin necks instead of heads.

Sphinxes adorn the fountain on Pulkovsky Highway. The structure is designed in the form of a pedestal with pink granite columns that support a dome. Sphinxes of Greek style made of gray granite are located on all four sides of the base.

The smallest figurines decorate the helmet of the goddess Minerva. One of the sculptures is on the roof of the Academy of Arts, while another adorns the Public Library. It is nearly impossible to see the figurines from the ground.

Additionally, numerous sculptures of Egyptian and Greek sphinxes, as well as their variations in various styles, adorn the entrances to public establishments, parks, and squares. They can be found on sidewalks and inside buildings. Sometimes they become part of a sculptural composition, making them hard to spot.

Mythology

The sculptures themselves are shrouded in myths and legends. They are often attributed with magical properties, believed to bring luck and protect property from thieves. However, there are several legends claiming that sphinxes bring misfortune. Sculptures with female heads, resembling demonic beings, are considered especially dangerous. For instance, they were accused of the collapse of the Egyptian Bridge.

Many legends are also associated with the figures on the University Embankment. It is said that the expressions on their faces change with the onset of night, and those who see this are destined for misfortune. This explains the broken beards of the figures. Allegedly, sailors transporting the sculptures from Alexandria saw a distorted grimace and damaged them. The curse is also attributed to the death of the captain of the ship carrying the sculptures, as well as Muravyov's relatives.

However, there is no documentary evidence for these rumors. The unfamiliar creatures appear alien in the context of classical architecture and continue to stir the minds of creative souls.