Column of Egyptian Goddess Hathor at Temple of Denderah

Denderah (Tentyris)
Detail colorie d'une Colonne du Portique en Profil et Plans de la Colonne.

Size: 71 x 54 cm (28 x 21 inches)
Date: The first volumes of engravings were presented to Napoleon in 1808.
Condition: Excellent. A few foxing dots.

Hathor was a major goddess in ancient Egypt. She was the mother of sky god Horus and sun god Ra and symbolic mother of the pharaohs. She represented music, dance, joy, love, sexuality, and maternal care. Hathor crossed boundaries between worlds, helping deceased souls in the transition to the afterlife.
This stunning engraving is from "Description de l'Egypte" which contained the largest engravings ever made. In 1798 Napoleon commissioned a vast expedition of the finest scholars,scientists and artists to accompany his army on his campaign to conquer Egypt. Their mission was to study all aspects of Egypt and document their findings, which resulted in 16 massive volumes. The beauty of engravings, and their very large size makes Description de l'Égypte an exceptional work.

In 2016, Sothebys of London sold a full set of Description de l'Egypte for GBP 320,750 (US $442,000). Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of these rare, beautiful and important antique engravings.