Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Cross-Section of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx Head – Egypt Engraving of 1776

$287.80
£214.10
€240
CA$394.10
A$438.19
CHF 228.80
MX$5,333.79
NOK 2,919.35
SEK 2,735.29
DKK 1,826.99
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Title: Cross-Section of the Great Pyramid and View of the Sphinx Head – Egypt Engraving, 1776 Description: This fascinating 1776 engraving presents an early European interpretation of two of the most iconic monuments of ancient Egypt: the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The plate, numbered XVII, comes from the Dutch edition of Richard Pococke’s illustrated travel narrative and reflects the Enlightenment-era fascination with ancient engineering and monumental architecture. The upper portion of the engraving features a frontal depiction of the Sphinx's head, partially buried in sand, accompanied by two human figures for scale. The figure has pronounced facial features and a stylized headdress, indicating the grandeur and mystery associated with the ancient monument. This representation is based on how the Sphinx appeared in the 18th century, long before modern excavation efforts. The lower section of the print shows a cross-section of the Great Pyramid, clearly illustrating internal passageways, chambers, and shafts. The triangular form is filled with detailed horizontal lines to convey the mass and scale of the structure. Within it, we see a diagram of the internal architecture, including the descending corridor, the Grand Gallery, and the King’s and Queen’s chambers. Additional diagrams to the side show architectural details and smaller structural elements with labeled sections. The Dutch caption reads, "Doorsnede der groote Pyramide, en gezigt van het Sphinxhoofd," which translates to "Cross-section of the Great Pyramid and view of the Sphinx's head." This plate belongs to the work *Beschryving van het Oosten en van eenige andere landen* (Description of the East and Some Other Lands), translated and annotated by Ernst Willem Cramerus and published in Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam in 1776. Pococke’s documentation is one of the earliest systematic Western efforts to record and analyze Egypt’s ancient structures. Condition report: Very good condition. Light age toning and a few faint spots in the margin. Clean plate mark with strong impression and wide borders. No tears or repairs. Folding lines as issued. Blank on verso. Framing tips: Ideal for framing in a black, dark walnut, or antiqued gold frame with a cream or pale sand-colored mat. This historical print pairs well with other Egyptian or architectural engravings in a study, library, or gallery wall. Technique: Engraving Maker: Unknown engraver after Richard Pococke, Netherlands, 1776
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.75 in (27.3 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1776
  • Condition:
    Very good condition. Light age toning and a few faint spots in the margin. Clean plate mark with strong impression and wide borders. No tears or repairs. Folding lines as issued. Blank on verso.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14102-101stDibs: LU3054346042622

More From This Seller

View All
Joseph’s Well in the Citadel of Cairo – Section and Plan Engraving, Egypt 1776
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Joseph’s Well in the Citadel of Cairo – Section and Plan Engraving, Egypt 1776 Description: This detailed architectural engraving from 1776 presents the ground plan, sectiona...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Views of the Pyramids at Dashur and Plan of the False Pyramid – Egypt, 1776
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Views of the Pyramids at Dashur and Plan of the False Pyramid – Egypt Engraving, 1776 Description: This original engraving from 1776 features a series of views and architectu...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Chromolithograph of Egypt with the Sphinx and Pyramids, circa 1890
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Chromolithograph of Egypt with the Sphinx and Pyramids, circa 1890 This evocative chromolithograph, titled “Ägypten” (Egypt), was printed around 1890 and presents a timeless...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

Copper Engraving of a Section of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, 1776
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Coupe sur la longueur d'une partie de la Galerie des Antiques dans les jardins de Kew'. Copper engraving showing a section of the Royal Botanic...
Category

Antique 1770s Architectural Models

Materials

Paper

Silhouette of Antiquity: The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt, 1801
Located in Langweer, NL
This engraving presents a profile view of the Sphinx, capturing its grandeur alongside the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. It is a testament to the ancient ...
Category

Antique Early 1800s Prints

Materials

Paper

Engravings of Egypt's Sphinx and Hermopolis: Early European Exploration, c.1795
Located in Langweer, NL
The two engravings displayed side by side depict monumental structures from ancient Egypt and are dated to the late 18th century. They are both examples of European interest in documenting and exploring Egyptian antiquities during the period of early exploration and fascination with the ancient world. ### Image 1: Profile View of the Remains of the Sphinx near the Pyramids of Egypt - Subject: The Sphinx, one of Egypt's most iconic monuments, is shown with its body largely buried in sand, as it was during this period before modern excavations. The figures atop and around the Sphinx provide scale and show the magnitude of the monument. The image also captures European explorers and researchers measuring the Sphinx, emphasizing the curiosity and study of ancient civilizations. - Age: This engraving likely dates from the late 18th century, during a time when European expeditions to Egypt were becoming more common, particularly following Napoleon's campaign in the late 1790s, which sparked Egyptomania across Europe. - Maker: The engraving is credited to Denon and Lege, both of whom were active artists and engravers during this time. Dominique Vivant Denon...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Original Antique Print of The Sphinx of Giza, Egypt. C.1810
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of The Sphinx of Giza Fine copper-plate engraving Published C.1810 Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Egyptian Prints

Materials

Paper

Large Scale Original Antique Grand Tour Print- Alexander The Great, 1776
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful image of a bust of Alexander The Great Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping  
Category

Antique 1770s Italian Classical Roman Prints

Materials

Plaster

Jacques Callot - Engraving the crucifixion - The Great Passion - France 17th
By Jacques Callot
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
17th century engraving by Jacques Callot, from the series La Grande Passion. The engraving represents Le Crucifiement or La Crucifixion. This is the seventh number of a series of 7 p...
Category

Antique 17th Century French Louis XIII Prints

Materials

Paper

18th Century Botanical Prints Engravings, by P.J. Buchoz, 1776
By Pierre Joseph Buchoz
Located in Richmond, London
A rare set of six of exceptional quality 18th century hand-colored engravings Buchoz, Pierre Joseph. Collection précieuse et enluminée des fleurs les plus belles et les plus curieuse...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Prints

Materials

Paper

Italian Hand Colored Engraving, A View of the Great Arsenal at Venice, May 1794
Located in Atlanta, GA
in addition to the aforementioned title the engraving reads, "which has two gates, one for the workmen to enter at, one for the ships", "Published according to Act of Parliament...
Category

Antique 1790s Italian Neoclassical Prints

Materials

Paper

19th Century Pair of Original Hand Coloured Engravings of Egypt
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century pair of original hand coloured engravings of Egypt in gilt wood frames. After Cecile by Lienard & Reville. Titled “Thebes: Karnak. Vue de la Porte et des Temples du Sud”...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Irish Grand Tour Prints

Materials

Paper