Lot 526
**Originally Listed At $400**
"Plate 2 - Thebes. Medynet-Abou. Plan Topographique des Ruines et Des Environs," "Plate 5 - Thebes. Medynet-Abou. 1,2,3,4,5 Elevation et Chapiteau des Propylees, Coupes Transversales et Detail d'ene Colonne du Temple. 6 Detail du Chapiteau des Colonnes de la Cour du Palais," "Plate 14 - Thebes. Medynet-Abou. Vue Interieure du Peristyle du Palais," "Plate 18 - Thebes. Medynet-Abou. 1,2,3 Plan, Elevation et Coupe d'un Temple Situe a l'Angle Sud-Est de l'Enceinte. 4, 5,6,7,8 Plan, Elevation, Coupes et Bas-Relief d'un Temple au Sud de l'Hippodrome. 9 Porte Situee en Avant du Temple," and "Plate 19 - Thebes. Medynet-Abou. Plan Topoigraphique du Tombeau d'Osymandyas, des Colosses de la Plaine et des Ruines Environnantes." Five engravings from "Description de l'Egypte: ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont ete faites en Egypte pendant l'expedition de l'armee francaise" Vol. II. Pl. 14 is first edition, 1812. Pl. 2, 5, 18, and 19 are second edition, 1821. Size of largest (pl. 14): 26.9" W x 20.6" H (68.3 cm x 52.3 cm)
Pl. 2, 5, 18, and 19 have blind stamp of C.L.F. Panckoucke at upper right.
A distinguished group of five French engravings depicting the ruins of Thebes (Medynet-Abou), published in the monumental work "Description de l'Egypte: ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont ete faites en Egypte pendant l'expedition de l'armee francaise." This extraordinary undertaking was initiated under Napoleon Bonaparte's Egyptian campaign and brought together leading savants, draftsmen, and engravers to document the antiquities, natural history, and topography of Egypt.
This group includes Plate 2 from the second edition of 1821, a topographic plan of the ruins at Medynet-Abou and their surrounding landscape, carefully delineating the architectural remains within their geographical setting. Plate 5, also from the second edition, presents architectural elevations and detailed renderings of the propylea and columns of the temple, with precise attention to the form of capitals and decorative elements. From the first edition of 1812 comes Plate 14, a dramatic interior view of the palace peristyle, showing towering doorways, massive columns, and richly carved walls, with human figures scattered among fallen architectural fragments to emphasize scale and grandeur. Plate 18 from the second edition offers plans, elevations, and sections of temples situated at the southeastern angle of the enclosure and to the south of the hippodrome, together with depictions of a monumental gateway and associated relief sculpture. Finally, Plate 19 from the second edition provides a large-scale topographic plan of the plain, situating the celebrated tomb of Osymandyas, the colossal statues, and the surrounding ruins within the broader natural and archaeological landscape of Thebes.Together, they present an invaluable visual record of ancient Thebes and its environs.
The engravings capture both sweeping architectural views and precise technical details, reflecting the dual scientific and artistic ambitions of the French expedition. Their value lies not only in their accuracy but also in their role in shaping the Western imagination of Egypt in the 19th century.
Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA
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#188630
- Condition: Plate 14 in excellent overall condition and fit with custom matte. Plate 19 has burn marks to upper right with chipping. Plate 2 has chip to upper right corner. Plates 2, 5, 18, and 19 have discoloring, staining, and foxing throughout. All have clear text and imagery.
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| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |