Skip to main content
Items Similar to Inscriptions on the Legs of the Colossus of Memnon – Greek & Latin Graffiti
Greek Inscriptions from Egypt – Antique Print of Ancient Texts, Pococke 1776
Greek Inscriptions from Egypt – Antique Print of Ancient Texts, Pococke 1776
Ancient Inscriptions from Sinai and Egypt – Inscriptio Memnonis, c.1710 Engraved
Ancient Inscriptions from Sinai and Egypt – Inscriptio Memnonis, c.1710 Engraved
19th Century Pair of Engravings of "Description of Egypt"
19th Century Pair of Engravings of "Description of Egypt"
Ferdinando Campana - Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century
Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century
Carlo Nolli - Ancient Inscriptions - Original Etching by Carlo Nolli - Late 18th Century
Ancient Inscriptions - Original Etching by Carlo Nolli - Late 18th Century
Colossus of Memnon at Thebes, Egypt – Antique Front and Rear Views, c.1776
Colossus of Memnon at Thebes, Egypt – Antique Front and Rear Views, c.1776
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Inscriptions on the Legs of the Colossus of Memnon – Greek & Latin Graffiti

$696.82per set
£524.60per set
€590per set
CA$959.92per set
A$1,075.05per set
CHF 560.94per set
MX$13,131.27per set
NOK 7,136.83per set
SEK 6,727.32per set
DKK 4,491.16per set

About the Item

Inscriptions on the Legs of the Colossus of Memnon – Greek & Latin Graffiti Description: This fascinating paired engraving documents the inscriptions found on the legs of the famed Colossus of Memnon, the massive seated statue near Luxor (ancient Thebes) in Egypt. The prints, titled *Memnonis Crus Dextrum* and *Memnonis Crus Alterum*, meaning "Right Leg of Memnon" and "Other Leg of Memnon," depict the carved legs of the statue, covered in ancient Greek and Latin graffiti made by Roman visitors and soldiers during the early centuries AD. These inscriptions were etched by pilgrims and curious travelers drawn to the statue by its legendary "singing" at dawn, a phenomenon caused by temperature shifts and the cracking of stone. Ancient tourists believed the sound was Memnon greeting his mother, Eos, the goddess of the dawn. The inscriptions recorded here serve as historical evidence of Greco-Roman tourism in Egypt and provide insight into how Classical visitors engaged with Egyptian monuments. The engravings meticulously outline both legs and preserve hundreds of these graffiti texts, many of which include names, dedications, and dates. They appear to have been copied with great care during early European explorations of Egypt, likely from a Dutch or German source such as Cornelis de Bruijn’s travels or similar antiquarian documentation of the early 18th century. Plate numbers "Pl. XXXVII" and "Pl. XXXVIII" appear in the corners, and the inscriptions are organized with both alphabetical and chronological notations, suggesting scholarly intent in preserving and categorizing them. Condition: Excellent condition for its age. Fold lines as issued, with some faint creases and mild toning along the margins. No loss of image or text. Framing tips: For dramatic effect and historical elegance, mount these prints side-by-side in a large horizontal frame with a clean white or parchment mat and a thin black or bronze frame. Ideal for a study, library, or museum display. Technique: Copperplate engraving Maker: Unknown, likely after early 18th-century antiquarian exploration (c.1710–1720), The Netherlands or Germany
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.33 in (44 cm)Width: 11.42 in (29 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
    Netherlands
  • Period:
    Early 18th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    c.1710
  • Condition:
    Excellent condition for its age. Fold lines as issued, with some faint creases and mild toning along the margins. No loss of image or text.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14102-74, -751stDibs: LU3054346062122

More From This Seller

View All
Greek Inscriptions from Egypt – Antique Print of Ancient Texts, Pococke 1776
Located in Langweer, NL
Greek Inscriptions from Egypt – Antique Print of Ancient Texts, Pococke 1776 This intriguing antique print displays a collection of ancient Greek inscriptions found in Egypt, meticu...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Greek Inscriptions from Egypt – Antique Print of Ancient Texts, Pococke 1776

Greek Inscriptions from Egypt – Antique Print of Ancient Texts, Pococke 1776

$496 / set
Ancient Inscriptions from Sinai and Egypt – Inscriptio Memnonis, c.1710 Engraved
Located in Langweer, NL
Ancient Inscriptions from Sinai and Egypt – Inscriptio Memnonis, c.1710 This intriguing double-plate engraving features a meticulously rendered compilation of ancient inscriptions d...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Ancient Inscriptions from Sinai and Egypt – Inscriptio Memnonis, c.1710 Engraved

Ancient Inscriptions from Sinai and Egypt – Inscriptio Memnonis, c.1710 Engraved

$614 / set
Colossus of Memnon at Thebes, Egypt – Antique Front and Rear Views, c.1776
Located in Langweer, NL
Colossus of Memnon at Thebes, Egypt – Antique Front and Rear Views, c.1776 Description: This striking pair of antique engravings offers front and rear views of the Colossus of Memno...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Colossus of Memnon at Thebes, Egypt – Antique Front and Rear Views, c.1776

Colossus of Memnon at Thebes, Egypt – Antique Front and Rear Views, c.1776

$401 / set
Original Antique Engraving of a Greek Inscription, 1717
Located in Langweer, NL
Untitled print of a Greek inscription. Source unknown, to be determined.
Category

Antique 1710s Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Engraving of a Greek Inscription, 1717

Original Antique Engraving of a Greek Inscription, 1717

$368 Sale Price
20% Off
Egyptian Seated Scribe Statue with Hieroglyphs – Front and Profile Views, c.1776
Located in Langweer, NL
Egyptian Seated Scribe Statue with Hieroglyphs – Front and Profile Views This pair of antique engravings depicts a striking Egyptian statue of a seated f...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Egyptian Seated Scribe Statue with Hieroglyphs – Front and Profile Views, c.1776

Egyptian Seated Scribe Statue with Hieroglyphs – Front and Profile Views, c.1776

$342 / set
Set of Four Antique Prints of Human Legs by Kuhff, 1879
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of four antique anatomy prints titled 'Membre Abdominal'. Colored lithographs of human legs with superimposed flaps. These prints originate from 'Le Corp...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of Four Antique Prints of Human Legs by Kuhff, 1879

Set of Four Antique Prints of Human Legs by Kuhff, 1879

$755 Sale Price / set
20% Off

You May Also Like

19th Century Pair of Engravings of "Description of Egypt"
Located in Madrid, ES
Two engravings from the book "The Description of Egypt", a major publication by the scholars who accompanied Napoleon, which included descriptions and engravings made by these schola...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Drawings

Materials

Wood, Paper

19th Century Pair of Engravings of "Description of Egypt"

19th Century Pair of Engravings of "Description of Egypt"

$3,425 / set
Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Roman Inscriptions from Herculaneum, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed", is an original etching realized by Filippo de Grad...
Category

Late 18th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century

Ferdinando Campana
Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century, Late 18th Century

$708
Ancient Inscriptions - Original Etching by Carlo Nolli - Late 18th Century
By Carlo Nolli
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Inscriptions, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum" is an original etching on paper realized by Carlo Nolli. Signed on the plate, on...
Category

Late 18th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Etching

Ancient Inscriptions - Original Etching by Carlo Nolli - Late 18th Century

Carlo Nolli
Ancient Inscriptions - Original Etching by Carlo Nolli - Late 18th Century, Late 18th Century

$708
Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Roman Inscriptions in Herculaneum, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed", is an original etching realized by Filippo de Grado ...
Category

Late 18th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century

Ferdinando Campana
Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century, Late 18th Century

$708
Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ancient Roman Inscriptions from Herculaneum, from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed", is an original etching realized by Filippo de Gra...
Category

Late 18th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century

Ferdinando Campana
Ancient Roman Inscriptions - Etching by Ferdinando Campana - Late 18 Century, Late 18th Century

$708
18th Century Napoleonic Egyptian Etchings
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Commissioned by Napolean the Etchings were Created by His Artist Upon His Invasion of Egypt. Set of 3. Middles: 48"W x 33 1/2"H, Sides: 27"W x 33.5"H Gilded Frames with 12K White ...
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Drawings

Materials

Textile, Paper

18th Century Napoleonic Egyptian Etchings

18th Century Napoleonic Egyptian Etchings

$9,780 / set