About this sheet
Complete Set of 10 Antique Plates on Primitive and Ancient Egypt by Max Tilke, c.1900
This impressive complete set of ten antique plates offers a richly detailed visual survey of early human culture and Ancient Egypt, created by the renowned costume historian and ethnographic artist Max Tilke and published by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, around 1900. This rare grouping includes the sought-after Plate 1, illustrating Primitive Time, making the collection fully comprehensive and historically significant.
Max Tilke (1869–1942) is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most important documentarians of historic costume and early cultures. His work combines rigorous archaeological accuracy with an elegant artistic style that appeals to both collectors and interior designers. These ten plates span a wide thematic range, beginning with prehistoric figures, the iconic Venus figurines, stone tools, early hairstyles, and primitive ritual scenes. The remaining plates cover all major aspects of Ancient Egyptian life: clothing, hairstyles, jewellery, musicians, instruments, craftsmen, domestic life, nobility, military attire, priests, gods, and ceremonial objects.
Several plates include vivid chromolithographic colour, while others present detailed monochrome renderings reminiscent of archaeological sketchbooks. Subjects include everyday clothing, musicians with harps and lyres, soldiers with shields and spears, temple attendants, priests, and mythological figures such as Horus and Osiris. Additional plates depict furniture, chairs, stools, decorative motifs, and carved ritual scenes modeled after Egyptian tomb reliefs. Together, these plates form a complete visual archive of Egyptian culture that is rarely offered as one intact set.
The artistic quality, historical accuracy, and decorative appeal make this set ideal for framing as a cohesive gallery wall. With their neutral tones, warm colours, and clear compositional structure, the plates suit both modern minimalist interiors and more classical settings. They are equally valuable for scholars, collectors, museums, and interiors that seek a refined connection to the ancient world.
Condition report:
Overall very good, consistent with age. Light toning, minor scattered foxing, and small edge marks typical for Wasmuth publications. Image areas clean and strong. No tears in the printed scenes. Ready for professional framing.
Framing tips:
These plates look elegant in matching walnut, oak, or black gallery frames with warm ivory or off-white mats. For a museum-style presentation, a grid of ten frames in two rows creates a powerful and cohesive archaeological display. For a more dramatic effect, use thin gold frames to highlight the warm tones of the chromolithographs.
Technique: Chromolithograph and lithograph
Maker: Max Tilke, Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, c.1900
Keywords: ancient egypt, egyptology, max tilke, antique prints, chromolithographs, egyptian costume, egyptian art, archaeological illustration, museum quality, gallery wall, interior decor, rare complete set, 1900s lithographs, ethnographic art, egyptian culture, antique educational plates
