...The Sphinx, which is perfect example of his technique and vision. To this day the woman who sat for the portrait is still unknown. My professor mentioned during a class that some insiders from the period, stated that woman actually never existed. The consensus was that the woman is combination of two women, Luisa Casati & Iris Tree, who had sat for him prior. Today the painting is owned by musician Bryan Ferry. I love this painting because the passion in the colors and lighting is near perfection. The mystery with it’s backstory is just icing on the cake. [http://hkfamily5.com/blog/2014/7/9/augustus-johns-the-sphinx] The sitter for Augustus John’s flame-red Sphinx is unknown, but undoubtedly a society figure of some standing. [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-features/7803759/Bryan-Ferrys-eye-for-a-masterpiece.html]