Elephantine and Philae Temples, 1776, Paper, Set of 2

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Elephantine & Philae Temples, Rock Tombs and Granite Formations – c.1776 Prints : This pair of 18th-century architectural engravings showcases … Read more Elephantine & Philae Temples, Rock Tombs and Granite Formations – c.1776 Prints : This pair of 18th-century architectural engravings showcases important monuments from Upper Egypt, focusing on Elephantine, Philae, Ombos, and surrounding regions. These prints originate from a Dutch edition of travel accounts based on the mid-18th-century Nile expedition of Danish explorer Frederik Ludvig Norden. Each plate offers a valuable architectural and archaeological view of ancient Egyptian heritage through Enlightenment-era eyes. The left sheet includes multiple illustrations: floor plans and elevations of the Nilometer and sanctuaries at Syene (modern Aswan), and a ground plan of a temple complex on Elephantine Island (top right). The bottom scene depicts a sculpted rock tomb façade, complete with hieroglyphic panels and seated figures. These detailed renderings highlight the precision with which European antiquarians attempted to record the monumental remnants of Pharaonic civilization. The right-hand print depicts temple ruins at Ombos and Philae. At the top is a plan of a hypostyle hall, showing column arrangements and structural layout. Beneath that is an architectural elevation with columns in full profile. The lower register includes two atmospheric views: one of the ruined colonnade at Philae, and the other of large granite formations near the Nile, across from Philae. Together, these vignettes combine technical documentation with romantic visual storytelling. These plates are representative of the European fascination with Egypt in the late 18th century—a period that predated Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign but was already laying the intellectual foundations for the discipline of Egyptology. They are also fine examples of copperplate engraving in the neoclassical style, designed for collectors, academics, and Grand Tour patrons alike. Condition: Both plates in good condition with minor edge wear and slight age-related toning. The left sheet has a vertical crease in the margin; the right has some minor foxing at the top edge. Folding lines as issued. Strong impressions with generous margins. Framing tips: Display together in a pair of matching black or dark wood frames with off-white mounts. Alternatively, float both sheets side by side in a wide double mat to create a museum-style diptych presentation. Technique: Engraving Maker: C. Bagerts, Netherlands, c.1776 See less