Military & Political · 18th century
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition with general age-related toning. Slight foxing at the right edge. Strong plate mark and clear impression. Blank on verso. Folding lines as issued.
Roman Fortress, Old Cairo, and Ancient Granary Plans – Egypt Engraving, 1776
This original 1776 architectural engraving presents detailed plans and an elevation of a Roman fortress in Old Cairo, Egypt, along with diagrams of an ancient granary and associated structures. Marked as Plate IX, the engraving comes from the Dutch edition of the influential travel narrative by English clergyman and explorer Richard Pococke, who was among the first to document Middle Eastern antiquities in such depth.
At the upper left, the plan labeled D illustrates a Roman military castrum with solid perimeter walls and internal chambers. To the right, figure A features a long rectangular structure with evenly spaced columns or arches, possibly a hall or storage space. The central diagram, figure C, depicts a circular granary divided into evenly spaced wedge-shaped storage sections, likely used for grain preservation. At the bottom, the elevation labeled B provides a view of the fortress exterior, showing high defensive walls with large round towers and a central gate, characteristic of Roman military architecture in the provinces.
This engraving is part of the volume titled *Beschryving van het Oosten en van eenige andere landen* (Description of the East and Some Other Lands), translated from English and annotated by Ernst Willem Cramerus. The edition was published in 1776 in Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, and was accompanied by a preface from Rutger Schutte, a preacher in Amsterdam. Pococke’s work contributed significantly to the Western understanding of ancient Egypt and was widely referenced by scholars, historians, and early archaeologists.
The structures shown here reflect the Roman presence in Egypt and the importance of fortified settlements and storage facilities in the administration and sustenance of the empire.
Condition report:
Very good condition with general age-related toning. Slight foxing at the right edge. Strong plate mark and clear impression. Blank on verso. Folding lines as issued.
Framing tips:
This piece is well suited to a black, dark walnut, or antique gold frame with a wide cream or light grey mat. The architectural layout and symmetrical structure will look particularly striking in a formal or scholarly setting.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Unknown engraver after Richard Pococke, Netherlands, 1776
