Title: "The Four Guardians"
� 1997 Pauline Ross
Original Size 12" x 16"
Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas Framed $800
Contact the Artist for Prints, Cards or Original
Note: Copyright imprint not on Original or Prints

Within the pyramid, the spirit of the dead transforms and rises as a bird. The Rising Phoenix, the Sphinx, the Moon and the Pharaoh are the guardians to all that is occurring within the pyramid. All directions are covered to protect the sacred journey. A slave in the far right corner appears as if he is being tormented and sacrificed by a fierce undergod, while the spirit of the dead makes his way into the next world.

Symbolism

The Four Guardians - Medieval depictions of the four Evangelists as man, lion, ox and eagle were inspired by the four creatures of Ezekiel and by ancient Eastern symbolism, according to which this tetrad represented the four guardians of the earth or the four supporters of the heavens.

Phoenix - Sets itself on fire every hundred years only to rise rejuvenated from the ashes after three days symbolizing resurrection, immortality and mankind�s indestructible spirit.

The Sphinx - symbolized the four elements, had access to all wisdom and symbolized the riddle of human existence.

The Moon - Feminine Energy, eternal without beginning or end, life itself and spirit, wholeness, completion and achievement. Power of the dark, mysterious side of nature.

The Pharaoh - Man