An Antiquarian

Item

Title

An Antiquarian

Subject

mummies; archaeology; collecting

Description

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.