Sphinx of Giza, Antique Egypt Engraving by Norden & Tuscher, 1755
€ 1 250
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1755
Mapmaker / artist
Frederik Ludvig Norden after Marcus Tuscher, Copenhagen, 1755
Technique
Copper engraving
Sheet size
29 × 44.6 cm (11.4 × 17.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14183-1
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
Original copper engraving on laid paper. Light age toning and scattered faint spotting, consistent with age. Strong impression with visible plate mark. Margins ample on all sides.
About this sheet
Sphinx of Giza, Antique Egypt Engraving by Norden & Tuscher, 1755
Description This striking engraving presents one of the earliest and most influential European depictions of the Great Sphinx of Giza, shown in austere profile against the desert horizon. The composition isolates the colossal head, emphasizing its monumental scale and weathered features, and reflects the Enlightenment-era fascination with the ancient monuments of Egypt.
The image originates from Voyage d’Egypte et de Nubie (Copenhagen, 1755), the landmark publication by Frederik Ludvig Norden, a Danish naval officer, architect, and draughtsman whose work profoundly shaped European understanding of Egypt prior to Napoleon’s expedition. Norden’s drawings were engraved by Marcus Tuscher, whose precise linework conveys both archaeological accuracy and classical restraint.
Unlike later romanticized or heavily restored views, this engraving records the Sphinx in its then-current state of partial burial, making it an essential historical document as well as a visually powerful image. Its minimal composition, broad margins, and strong horizontal emphasis give it exceptional presence when framed, appealing equally to collectors of Egyptiana and to interior designers seeking a sculptural, timeless statement.
This plate is widely regarded as the most iconic image from Norden’s voyage and is increasingly scarce as a clean, complete sheet.
Condition report Original copper engraving on laid paper. Light age toning and scattered faint spotting, consistent with age. Strong impression with visible plate mark. Margins ample on all sides.
Original 18th-century engraving; listing images are high-resolution scans of the actual sheet
Framing tips Highly effective framed with a wide ivory or parchment mat and a simple black or dark walnut frame. A restrained, contemporary frame enhances the sculptural quality of the image without distraction.
