Sphinx

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This sphinx is opposite the main entrance to Schönbrunn Palace. The sculpture is a work by the sculptor Christian Friedrich Beyer and dates back to around 1775/80. Unlike the Egiptian sphinx, the Greek ones have a female face, a lion body, eagle's wings on their back and a serpent's tail. In the Greek mythology the sphinx is seen as a powerful monster sent by the Gods to punish people on earth. The ones who were not able to solve the Sphinx' riddle, would be devoured.