Views of Africa · 18th century
€ 270
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good impression with wide margins. A few central folds as issued. Some minor age-related toning and edge creasing, particularly along the right border. No tears or significant damage.
View of Thebes from the West Bank of the Nile – Engraving by Pococke, 1776
This striking antique engraving, titled "Gezigt van Thebe, aan de Westzyde van de Nyl" (View of Thebes, on the West Side of the Nile), captures a panoramic depiction of the Theban Necropolis, situated across from modern-day Luxor in Egypt. Published in 1776 as part of the Dutch edition of Richard Pococke's seminal travel account *Beschryving van het Oosten*, this print provides a rare early Western representation of one of Egypt’s most important archaeological landscapes.
The image, marked as Pl. LXXIX, presents a sweeping view of the arid Theban hills dotted with ancient tomb entrances and archaeological ruins. The prominent terrace-like cliffs in the center of the composition evoke the rugged terrain behind the Valley of the Kings. At the base, scattered dwellings and temple ruins hint at the monumental architecture of this once-flourishing pharaonic capital.
Figures and labels (A through Q, and numerical markers) are annotated throughout the foreground and middle ground, likely corresponding to an explanatory index in the accompanying text of Pococke’s book. In the foreground, two travelers stand—possibly a self-referential nod to Pococke and his companion—providing scale to the vast and barren surroundings.
Richard Pococke (1704–1765), an English churchman and explorer, was one of the earliest British travelers to systematically document the antiquities of Egypt. His observations, drawings, and measurements were groundbreaking for his time and became foundational for later Egyptologists. The Dutch translation by Ernst Willem Cramerus brought his work to a wider European audience during a period of rising fascination with ancient Egypt.
This print is a beautiful example of Enlightenment-era exploration and historical curiosity rendered through topographic accuracy and artistic detail. It is a valuable item for collectors of antique maps and prints, particularly those interested in biblical or pharaonic archaeology.
Condition report:
Good impression with wide margins. A few central folds as issued. Some minor age-related toning and edge creasing, particularly along the right border. No tears or significant damage.
Framing tips:
To enhance the clarity and historical feel of this print, consider using a classic gold or walnut frame with a light beige or ivory mat. A museum-style presentation would suit its antiquarian and academic character.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Richard Pococke, Dutch edition by E.W. Cramerus, Utrecht/Rotterdam/Amsterdam, 1776
