When observing this image one can quite clearly see that the representational part of the image is the sphinx itself. It is clearly representational of a sphinx because of the strong visual details. The impact that it gives to the viewer is that is indeed the mythical creature, a sphinx. This level of representation relates to abstraction because it is made out of stone that is decaying and has pieces that are broken off. However, even though pieces are missing the nature of abstraction makes it possible for the observer to understand the monument and its meaning. It gives off a direct message of power because of its size. It is also abstract because sphinxes were often used for royal tombs and religious temples and one would not know this just from looking at it. This relates to the symbolic level because people understand this mythical creature from myths of Egyptian & Greek tradition. The sphinx combines different forms in one; haunches of a lion, and head of man. These combined human and animal parts are symbols, the lion symbolizes the sun and power. The head is a great pharaoh and the lions body makes his image look extremely powerful. They also understand that is symbol of characteristics such as wealth, intelligence. It is a wonder of the world and that alone makes it a symbol of great awe. In conclusion, it is representational because it is clearly a sphinx, abstract because it is place for royal burial and religious worship on the inside, and symbolic because of the combination of human and body parts and the fact that is symbolizes power.
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