Green Sphinx Etching by John Marx

In this polychrome etching, signed with his initials in pencil, John Marx constructs a scene that oscillates between strangeness and collective introspection. The winged, sphinx-like creature dominates the space, perched atop a group of buildings, its outstretched wings suggesting it is on the verge of flight yet still tethered to the earth, asserting its authority. Its body, scratched with incisive lines, evokes both a mythological entity and a nightmarish figure. The green sky with watercolor-like hues, studded with stars, contrasts with the denser, linear earth of the buildings. A galaxy swirls in the background, reminding us of human smallness in the face of cosmic immensity. The trees, though stylized, exude a tropical lightness, softening the scene without dissipating its aura of mystery. The distribution of elements in the picture space reveals a strong narrative intent. The creature, perched on a group of sober, geometric buildings, stands out as a being both present and foreig