Fine Art Print : First British Museum Mummy and coffin
Fine Art Prints from Science Photo Library
First British Museum Mummy and coffin
Hand coloured engraving by George Vertue 1724 for the London Society of Antiquaries. It shows the mummified body in cartonage and hieroglyphic script on a Sarcophagus owned by William Lethieullier. This came to England in 1722 (probably the first or second to arrive), and a paper on it was written by Alexander Gordon in 1727. When Lethieullier died in 1756 he bequeathed this coffin, and the rest of his Egyptian collection of antiquities, to the British Museum. It was the first mummy and coffin the British Museum owned - and remains one of its most enduringly popular exhibits. The body is named as Irtyru on the sarcophagus. On the Sarcophagus, below the sky goddess Nut, is a scene where the deceased man is being judged by Osiris and Thoth
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6317969
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
18th Century British Museum Coffin Collection Death Egypt Egyptian Egyptology Gift Mummified Mummy Museum Sarcophagus Hans Sloane Heiroglyphics Mummification Rosetta Stone Society Of Antiquaries
A2 (42x59cm) Fine Art Print
Experience the rich history and intrigue of ancient Egypt with our exquisite Fine Art Print from Media Storehouse. This captivating print, featuring the First British Museum Mummy and Coffin by Paul D. Stewart from Science Photo Library, is a hand-colored engraving by George Vertue, originally created in 1724 for the London Society of Antiquaries. Witness the intricately designed cartonage and hieroglyphic script adorning the sarcophagus, owned by William Lethieullier. Bring the mysteries of Egypt into your home or office with this stunning and authentic work of art.
Our Fine Art Prints are printed on 100% acid free, PH neutral paper with archival properties. This printing method is used by museums and art collections to exhibit photographs and art reproductions. Hahnemühle certified studio for digital fine art printing. Printed on 308gsm Photo Rag Paper.
Our fine art prints are high-quality prints made using a paper called Photo Rag. This 100% cotton rag fibre paper is known for its exceptional image sharpness, rich colors, and high level of detail, making it a popular choice for professional photographers and artists. Photo rag paper is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print. If you can afford to spend more on a higher quality paper, then Photo Rag is our clear recommendation for a fine art paper print.
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 52.2cm x 42cm (20.6" x 16.5")
Estimated Product Size is 59.4cm x 42cm (23.4" x 16.5")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) orientation to match the source image.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the historical significance and artistic beauty of the first British Museum mummy and coffin. Created by George Vertue in 1724, this hand-coloured engraving was commissioned by the London Society of Antiquaries to document a remarkable discovery. The mummified body, encased in ornate cartonage adorned with intricate hieroglyphic script, rests upon a sarcophagus owned by William Lethieullier. Arriving in England in 1722, this mummy and its accompanying sarcophagus were among the earliest to be brought to the country. Alexander Gordon later wrote a paper on it in 1727, solidifying its importance within Egyptology. Following Lethieullier's passing in 1756, he generously bequeathed both the coffin and his entire Egyptian collection of antiquities to the British Museum. Named Irtyru on the sarcophagus itself, this ancient individual is depicted undergoing judgment by Osiris and Thoth below Nut, the sky goddess. This scene adds an intriguing layer of symbolism to an already mesmerizing artwork. Over time, this mummy and coffin have become iconic exhibits at the British Museum - beloved for their historical significance as well as their enduring popularity among visitors. As part of Paul D. Stewart's collection from Science Photo Library, this print serves as a testament to humanity's fascination with death rituals and our ongoing quest for knowledge about ancient civilizations like Egypt.
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