Egyptian Seated Scribe Statue with Hieroglyphs Front and Profile Views, 1776, Paper, Set of 2

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Egyptian Seated Scribe Statue with Hieroglyphs – Front and Profile Views This pair of antique engravings depicts a striking Egyptian … Read more Egyptian Seated Scribe Statue with Hieroglyphs – Front and Profile Views This pair of antique engravings depicts a striking Egyptian statue of a seated figure, likely a scribe or priest, shown from both the front and the side. The artwork captures the ancient tradition of sculpting high-ranking individuals in a contemplative, seated pose with knees drawn up and arms resting across them—a form commonly found in Late Period and Ptolemaic Egyptian statuary. In the left plate (Pl. LXIX), the front view shows a figure seated in a tightly compacted pose, arms folded over the knees. The body is partially enclosed by a curved tablet or sarcophagus surface inscribed with dense hieroglyphic text. The figure wears a tripartite wig, and the serene facial expression, combined with the precision of the hieroglyphs, evokes the devotional and administrative role such figures often held in temple or tomb settings. This form is typical of so-called "cube statues," which were designed for placement in shrines and served both commemorative and ritual purposes. The right plate (Pl. LXXI) offers a side view of the same sculpture, giving insight into the three-dimensional form and sculptural depth. The careful rendering of the wig's stylized strands and the compact body form demonstrates the engraver's attention to detail and fidelity to the original artifact. The bare back and sculpted limbs reflect both naturalism and symbolism—the seated posture communicates both humility and vigilance in the presence of the gods. These engravings originate from an 18th-century Dutch publication devoted to the monuments and antiquities of Egypt. The inscription in Dutch beneath the prints reads: “Een Isisbeeld uit Egypte aangebragt, van voren te zien” (An Isis statue brought from Egypt, seen from the front) and “Een Isisbeeld uit Egypte aangebragt van de zijde en van achter te zien” (An Isis statue brought from Egypt, seen from the side and behind), indicating the figure was believed to represent the goddess Isis, although the iconography more closely resembles a priest or high-ranking official. Condition: Very good condition for the age. Strong impression and clean paper with only minor age-toning. Small edge wrinkles and minor spotting, mostly in the margins. Folding line as issued. Please examine the images carefully. Framing Tips: This pair would be ideal for side-by-side display in matching black or giltwood frames with a wide off-white or ivory mat. This will highlight the symmetrical composition and scholarly character of the engravings. Technique: Engraving Maker: Anonymous, Dutch, circa 1750–1770 See less