Curse of the Mummy: Artistic Sources

Primary sources from the 19th and early 20th century depicting European or Western interaction with the mummified remains of ancient Egypt

Exhibition Tour
An Antiquarian

Description: This etching depicts a British man designated as an ‘antiquarian’ peering through his glasses at an upright mummy leaning against a wall; the mummy is wearing glasses and looking right back at him. Other ancient objects, including a large amphora and a female sphinx statue stand at its feet. The unflattering portrayal of the antiquarian in a crouched position (revealing his rear through his coat), the unattractive expression on his face (with an open mouth and showing his tongue), and the way the mummy seems to be smiling derisively back at him suggests Rowlandson was critiquing the fascination of these ‘antiquarians’ for ancient objects.
Examination of a Mummy - The Priestess of Ammon

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