Romano-Egyptian Glass Face Bead

Proof etching on laid paper of plate 11 from Phillipeaux Thèbes - Medynet-Abou Marche Triomphale sculptée dans la Galerie-Nord du Péristyle du Palais with military procession in three registers. 231 grams, 104 x 70 cm



From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.

Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor). Medinet Habu is the name given to the impressive mortuary temple built for Ramesses III. The walls are covered with scenes of religious and royal ceremonies, as well as battle scenes. An earlier temple and later tomb complexes are found within its impressive enclosure walls.

Proof etching on laid paper of plate 1 from Île de Philae entitled Plan Général de l'île et de ses environs. 255 grams, 104 x 69 cm



From the collection of a North American priest. Acquired between 1981-1996. Property of a North American collector.

Produced between February 1802 and 1830 on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte; published between 1809 and 1828. Just 1,000 copies were distributed to various institutions, printed on laid paper with an 'Égypte ancienne et moderne' watermark. The book is subtitled Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l’expédition de l’Armée française, publié par les ordres de Sa Majesté l’Empereur Napoléon le Grand (Gathering of observations and discoveries which were made in Egypt during the expedition of the French army, published on the orders of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon the Great). It was the world's first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the remains of ancient Egypt. The plates of this book are the first to present the archaeological sites of Thebes (Luxor). The Philae temple complex was one of the monuments moved during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. It was carefully dismantled piece by piece and reassembled on the island of Agilkia.

Comprising the terminal part of a clavus in white and purple linen and wool, S torsion, borders embroidered with pilasters, the central scene representing eagles alternating with geometric elements; a large fragment of another clavus, ornamented with geometric patterns in red, green and yellow wool. 49 grams total including package, 22 cm each



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.

The clavi are realised in tapestry technique, and the one with prominent figures has a rounded end. They were part of the decoration of a tunic, and the presence of the Imperial eagle, not a common pattern, could refer to a military tunic.