Vivant Denon (an eyewitness) etched the image of the Sphinx of Giza (above, right) around 1798. If the Sphinx of Giza had been defaced before 1798, is it reasonable to conclude that Denon would have at least mentioned it?
In his written account, Denon stated, "...Though its proportions are colossal, the outline is pure and graceful; the expression of the head is mild, gracious, and tranquil; the character is African, but the mouth, and lips of which are thick, has a softness and delicacy of execution truly admirable; it seems real life and flesh. Art must have been at a high pitch when this monument was executed
-- Universal Magazine, 1803 (owned by The Freeman Institute)
When visiting Egypt today, this is what we see of The Sphinx of Giza.
This is what Vivant Denon saw in 1798. See what he wrote above as an eyewitness.
Thanks Daffynition.