Temple of Philae on the Nile – Antique Egypt Ruins Engraving by Norden, c.1755
€ 630
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, Copenhagen, circa 1755
Technique
Copper engraving
Sheet size
29 × 44.6 cm (11.4 × 17.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14183-21
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
Good antique condition. Light age toning and minor scattered spotting consistent with 18th-century paper. Full plate mark visible. Margins intact. No tears, losses, or restorations observed.
About this sheet
Temple of Philae on the Nile – Antique Egypt Ruins Engraving by Norden, c.1755
This impressive 18th-century engraving presents a detailed view and perspective of the island of Philae, known in antiquity as Philae or Phila, one of the most important sacred sites of ancient Egypt. The composition shows the temples and ruins of the island rising from the Nile, with monumental architectural fragments in the foreground and the river extending calmly into the distance.
The plate originates from Voyage d’Égypte et de Nubie by Frederik Ludvig Norden, first published in Copenhagen in 1755. Norden was a Danish naval officer and accomplished draughtsman whose work represents one of the earliest systematic visual documentations of Egypt based on direct observation. His depictions of Philae predate the Napoleonic expedition and later 19th-century archaeological surveys, making them especially valuable as early records of the site’s condition.
The engraving combines archaeological interest with a restrained, balanced composition. The fallen columns and carved stone blocks in the foreground emphasize the antiquity of the site, while the standing temple structures convey its former grandeur. Figures provide scale, reinforcing the monumental nature of the ruins without overwhelming the scene. The wide horizontal format and fine line work give the image a calm, timeless presence.
This print appeals strongly to collectors of Egyptology, ancient architecture, and early travel imagery, while also functioning as a refined standalone wall piece for interiors seeking historical depth and classical subject matter.
Condition report: Good antique condition. Light age toning and minor scattered spotting consistent with 18th-century paper. Full plate mark visible. Margins intact. No tears, losses, or restorations observed.
Framing tips: Frame with a wide off-white or light parchment mat to highlight the plate mark and architectural detail. Dark walnut, blackened wood, or simple black frames work particularly well with the classical subject.
