Views of Africa · 18th century
€ 920
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Original copper engraving on laid paper. Light age toning and minor spotting. Good, even impression with a clearly defined plate mark. Wide margins retained.
Old Alexandria Harbor, Antique Egypt Engraving by Norden & Tuscher, 1755
Description
This panoramic harbor view presents Old Alexandria as seen from the water, with sailing vessels in the foreground and the historic skyline stretching across the horizon. Architectural landmarks, including the obelisk known as Cleopatra’s Needle, anchor the scene and situate the city within its ancient and early modern context.
The engraving is from Voyage d’Egypte et de Nubie (Copenhagen, 1755), the seminal work of Frederik Ludvig Norden, engraved by Marcus Tuscher. Norden’s approach combined architectural training with direct observation, producing views that are both visually refined and historically reliable.
Alexandria, as one of the great cities of antiquity, was a central destination for Grand Tour travelers and Enlightenment scholars. This view predates the transformations of the 19th century and preserves the city’s appearance before large-scale modernization, lending it particular documentary value.
The long horizontal format, animated by ships and calm water, makes this engraving exceptionally suitable for interior display above furniture or as part of a curated wall of travel imagery.
Condition report
Original copper engraving on laid paper. Light age toning and minor spotting. Good, even impression with a clearly defined plate mark. Wide margins retained.
Framing tips
Best presented in a wide horizontal mat with a walnut or black frame. For a more contemporary look, a slim black frame with a soft white mat works extremely well.
Technique: Copper engraving
Maker: Frederik Ludvig Norden after Marcus Tuscher, Copenhagen, 1755
