Scarabs Collection

Scarabs or dung beetles, symbols of the sun god worshipped in ancient Egypt used as amulets and seals
5309756 Scarabs or dung beetles, symbols of the sun god worshipped in ancient Egypt used as amulets and seals by Egyptian; Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Turkey; Photo © Stefano Baldini

Ancient Egyptian ornament, 1769. Creator: Giovanni Battista Piranesi
Ancient Egyptian ornament, 1769. [Altro spaccato per longo della stessa bottega, ove si vedono fra le aperture del vestibolo le immense piramidi, ed altri edifizi sepolcrali ne deserti dell Egitto]

Beetles, plate 38 from Fantaisies decoratives, engraved by Gillot
REV279423 Beetles, plate 38 from Fantaisies decoratives, engraved by Gillot, published by Jules Rouam, Librairie de l Art, Paris, 1887 (colour engraving) by Habert-Dys

Wild Bull Hunt Scarab of Amenhotep III, c. 1391-1353 BC. Creator: Unknown
Wild Bull Hunt Scarab of Amenhotep III, c. 1391-1353 BC. Large commemorative scarabs are characteristic of Amenhotep IIIs reign

Artwork of a dung beetle, rolling dung

Cockchafer, May bug (Melolontha)

Ancient Egyptian pectoral from Tutankhamuns tomb
A pectoral from the tomb of Pharao Tutankhamun (reigned 13321323 BC). It is composed of a winged scarab, flanked by the goddesses Nephtys (left) and Isis (right) kneeling. Date: circa 1925

Artwork of dung beetle on top of a dung ball

Garden Chafer (Phyllopertha horticola) and a spinner moth on Fleece Flower (Polygonum affine)

Scarab Beetle (Hoplia argentea) adult, feeding on umbellifer flowers, Pontic Mountains, Anatolia, Turkey, July

Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) introduced pest species, adult, resting on leaf in garden, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, July

Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules) adult, resting on ground, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, April

Rhinoceros beetle, Chalscosoma atlas, with three large horns protruding from its head and a green metallic sheen covering the wings and head, angled front view

Above view, female Goliath Beetle, or Goliathus meleagris with its striped carapace

Horned Black Beetle, large mandibles white background

Rhinoceros Beetle (Dynastinae) on moss

Flower Chafer (Stephanocrates benningseni) adult, Kahuzi-Biega N. P. Kivu Region, Democratic Republic of Congo
Flower Chafer (Stephanocrates benningseni) adult, Kahuzi-Biega N.P. Kivu Region, Democratic Republic of Congo, november

Grapevine Beetle (Pelidnota punctata) adult, resting on leaf, U. S. A
Grapevine Beetle (Pelidnota punctata) adult, resting on leaf, U.S.A

European Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes nasicornis) adult, clinging to tree trunk in woodland habitat, Porto Vecchio, Corsica, France, june

Flower chafers mating. Two Tropinota sp. flower chafer beetles mating on a grass flower stalk

Egyptian scarabs and Cretan seal-stones. Coloured image of an illustration by the British archaeologist Arthur Evans (1851-1941)

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"Unveiling the Mysteries of Scarabs: Ancient Egyptian Symbols and Beyond" Step into the captivating world of scarabs, as we explore their significance in ancient Egypt and beyond. These small beetles, also known as dung beetles, held immense cultural and religious importance to the Egyptians. One remarkable artifact that showcases this reverence is an ancient Egyptian pectoral discovered in Tutankhamun's tomb. They were not just ordinary insects; they symbolized the sun god worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. These fascinating creatures were often used as amulets and seals, believed to bring good luck and protection to their wearers. The Astronomical table painted on the ceiling of the first Tomb of Kings in Byban el Molouk further illustrates their celestial connection. The allure extended far beyond Egypt's borders. Giovanni Battista Piranesi, a renowned artist from 18th-century Italy, captured their beauty in an exquisite ornament. His intricate engravings showcased these beetles' delicate features with unparalleled precision. Fantaisies decoratives provided another platform for showcasing scarab artistry through Gillot's engravings. Plate 38 transports us into a whimsical realm where vibrant beetles take center stage amidst decorative motifs. One exceptional artifact that stands out is the Wild Bull Hunt Scarab attributed to Amenhotep III during his reign from c. 1391-1353 BC—an intriguing glimpse into royal symbolism intertwined with nature's wonders. Beyond historical depictions, artists have continued to find inspiration in these enchanting creatures throughout time. Artworks featuring dung beetles rolling balls or perched atop them remind us of their industrious nature and resilience against adversity. While scarabs may be synonymous with ancient Egypt, other species like Cockchafer (May bug) or Garden Chafer (Phyllopertha horticola) share similar characteristics—reminders that nature holds its own wonders across the globe.