Engraving of Harpocrates and Ancient Egyptian Magical Seals, c.1776
€ 240
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1776
Mapmaker / artist
Anonymous, Dutch, circa 1750–1770
Technique
Engraving
Sheet size
27.3 × 25 cm (10.7 × 9.8 in)
Reference
BG-14102-47
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Very good. Minor toning along edges. Vertical central fold as issued. Clean impression with wide margins and good preservation of detail.
About this sheet
This striking 18th-century engraving presents an image of Harpocrates, the Graeco-Egyptian god of silence and secrecy, surrounded by an array of ancient seals and magical amulets. The central figure, depicted in a youthful, almost childlike stance, stands barefoot, adorned with a double-plumed crown and holding the ankh symbol of eternal life. He raises a finger to his mouth—a typical pose associated with Harpocrates, emphasizing silence and hidden knowledge.
The composition is titled in Dutch: "Een Harpocrates en Egyptische Zegels," meaning "A Harpocrates and Egyptian Seals." This suggests it was intended to illustrate both the god and an assortment of engraved talismans and symbols attributed to ancient Egyptian or syncretic Greco-Egyptian cult practices.
Surrounding the figure are more than twenty distinct amulets, engraved gems, and magical seals. These include:
• Oval cartouche-style stones with Greco-Egyptian inscriptions in Greek characters. • Images of gods and hybrid creatures, some combining Egyptian and Hellenistic iconography, such as serpents, composite beasts, and deities in ritual gestures. • Amulets showing boats, scarabs, and abstract symbols believed to offer protection, health, or power to the bearer.
Of particular interest is the seal at lower center, depicting a grotesque humanoid figure with exaggerated posture—an image reminiscent of magical "Chnoubis" or other protective demons. Another amulet features a lion-headed deity treading on serpents, associated with strength or exorcism.
This print provides a remarkable glimpse into 18th-century European interpretations of Egyptian magical artifacts. During the Enlightenment, such engraved plates were widely used in antiquarian publications to document relics found in museum collections or acquired by travelers during expeditions to the Middle East and North Africa. The emphasis on Harpocrates reflects the enduring European fascination with mystery cults and esoteric religion.
Framing tips: Frame in a sleek black or bronze-finished wood with a linen-textured cream or sandstone mat. The vertical layout and symmetrical balance make it ideal for hallway or study display.
