Sphinx 

Frantisek Kupka’s ‘Sphinx’ is a drawing whose date is unknown, but it presents a compelling study in contrasts and textures using graphite on paper. The composition is divided into distinct zones: from the rough, coarse foreground, the eye is led through a reflective middle ground towards a textured sky, creating a landscape that feels both expansive and confining. Kupka manipulates the graphite to evoke a range of atmospheric effects. The marks in the ‘sky’ area appear almost granular, contrasting with the linear strokes in the ‘water’ and ‘land’, creating an intriguing play between tactile sensations and perceived depth. Note how the figure, positioned in the middle ground, is dwarfed by the architectural and natural elements, emphasizing a sense of isolation. In viewing this work, consider how Kupka uses the structure of the landscape not just as a visual scene but also as a symbolic space. The sphinx, traditionally a figure of mystery and transition, is here evoked through a stark landscape, inviting reflection on the threshold between the known and the unknown, presence and absence. The artwork encourages us to look beyond its aesthetic qualities and engage with the broader philosophical questions it poses.