C19th Bronze Chamberstick

A 19th Century bronze chamberstick, the design based on an early oil lamp depicting the mythical Greek Sphinx set on a circular base, the candle holder decorated with trailing vine. French, circa 1870

The Greek Sphinx was a beast with the head and breast of a woman on the body of a lion, eagle’s wings and a serpent’s tail. Sent by the Gods to plague the town of Thebes, she preyed on its youths and devoured all who failed to solve her riddle. King Kreon offered the throne to the one who could destroy her. Oedipus took up the challenge and when he succeeded, the Sphinx cast herself off the mountainside in despair.