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1724 First British Museum sarcophagus
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1724 First British Museum sarcophagus
Hand coloured engraving by George Vertue 1724 for the London Society of Antiquaries. It shows the 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
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Media ID 6317407
© 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 Bequeathed Hans Sloane Heiroglyphics Mummification Rosetta Stone Society Of Antiquaries
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This print showcases the 1724 First British Museum sarcophagus, a remarkable piece of ancient Egyptian history. Hand-coloured by the talented George Vertue for the London Society of Antiquaries, this engraving beautifully captures the intricate hieroglyphic script adorning the sarcophagus owned by William Lethieullier. Arriving in England in 1722, this sarcophagus was one of the earliest to make its way to British shores. Its significance was further highlighted when Alexander Gordon wrote a paper on it in 1727. Following Lethieullier's passing in 1756, he generously bequeathed not only this coffin but also his entire collection of Egyptian antiquities to the prestigious British Museum. As the first mummy and coffin acquired by the museum, this artifact holds a special place within its halls and continues to captivate visitors even today. The body inside is known as Irtyru according to inscriptions on the sarcophagus itself. One striking scene depicted on this magnificent artwork shows Osiris and Thoth judging the deceased man beneath Nut, goddess of sky. This portrayal offers an intriguing glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding death and afterlife. With its rich symbolism and historical significance, it comes as no surprise that this enchanting exhibit remains one of the most beloved attractions at the British Museum. Paul D. Stewart's expertly captured print allows us to appreciate every detail of this extraordinary artifact from Egypt's distant past.
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