Candelabra Grotesque with a Female Figure in a Niche and Two Sphinxes 1540 - 1570

This anonymous drawing presents us with a candelabra grotesque filled with symbols ripe with historical and cultural meaning. Sphinxes—those hybrid creatures of human intellect and animal strength—flank the upper register, crowned with wreaths representing victory and immortality. The sphinx, originating in ancient Egypt and later embraced by Greek culture, embodies a complex interplay of power and enigma. We see how this symbol has evolved through time, from its protective role in funerary contexts to its association with wisdom and riddles. Consider, too, the female figure in the niche; she reminds us of the ancient Roman depictions of virtue or even fortune. These motifs, passed down through the ages, resurface in this drawing. The arrangement evokes a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. It’s a non-linear progression where the symbols evolve, taking on new meanings across time.