Ancient Syene (Aswan) and Elephantine Island – Egypt Engraving, c.1755

€ 500

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-14183-11

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 toning and minor spotting. Clear plate mark. No structural issues.

About this sheet

Ancient Syene (Aswan) and Elephantine Island – Egypt Engraving, c.1755

This striking view depicts ancient Syene, present-day Aswan, with Elephantine Island at the entrance to the First Cataract of the Nile. Architectural remnants, river crossings, and rugged terrain combine to form a composition of exceptional historical interest.

The plate documents a key geographic threshold in ancient Egypt, where the navigable Nile meets the cataracts leading south into Nubia. Norden’s careful observation is evident in the rendering of ruins, waterways, and defensive structures, offering insight into both ancient and contemporary landscapes.

This engraving is particularly attractive to collectors focused on classical antiquity, early archaeology, and the geography of the Nile.

Condition report:
Good antique condition. Light toning and minor spotting. Clear plate mark. No structural issues.

Framing tips:
Works beautifully with a slightly wider mat to give the architecture visual breathing room; dark wood or blackened frames suit the subject well.