Why did egyptian art and architecture often depict animals, such as the lion body of the sphinx?
a. animals were relied on for farming, which was important to the economy.
c. gods were often symbolized by animals.
b. animals were very common in egyptian households.
d. animal ownership was a sign of wealth and prestige.

answer; statuesque figures that cast shadows);

i believe the answer is: a.  abstract forms were often used to represent human figures.

representing human figures in abstract forms is often used in the geometric period, not hellenistic  period.   during the hellenistic  period,   aesthetic value derived from creating arts which mimic the actual shape of a certain object or individuals.

hope this ! < 3