Ethersworn Sphinx // Ethersworn Sphinx

The Ethersworn Sphinx art card was released as part of the Modern Horizons 2 Art Series in 2021. This set was curated by Wizards of the Coast to showcase the intricate illustrations from the accompanying expansion, which focused on bringing iconic characters and creatures from across Magic: The Gathering’s history into the modern frame. These cards are non-game pieces designed strictly for display, highlighting the aesthetic evolution of the Esper shard’s mechanical aesthetic.

The artwork was illustrated by Volkan Baga, a renowned fantasy artist known for his detailed, painterly approach to mythological subjects. For this piece, Baga aimed to capture the ethereal, clockwork elegance of the Ethersworn, emphasizing the contrast between the organic fluidity of the sphinx and the rigid, ornate metal filigree characteristic of the Alara setting. Upon release, the series was well-received by collectors for its high-quality foil-stamped signatures and its focus on the atmospheric storytelling within the game’s deep visual lore.