The Sphinx and the Bronze Lincoln: An Unorthodox Partnership in New York City's

New York City's Union Square is a visual treat, but a duo of statues captures the imagination like none others. Bronze Abe, a classic landmark, stands tall alongside an intriguing companion - a marble sphinx. This sphinx, gifted in 1875 by a fellow named A.T, was a nod to the eyes of Abe, an idea that took three stories to bring to life. The sculptor, Henry Kirke Brown, took inspiration from Rome's art scene, crafting the sphinx with a panther's body, a lion's head, and bird's wings, adding a touch of peculiarity. When first unveiled, the sphinx raised a few eyebrows due to its Union Square address, but the appeal of its beauty and impeccable craftsmanship lives on unabated. To this very day, the sphinx keeps its place, serving as a constant reminder of Union Square's captivating past.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons