Ancient Temple and Ruin Plans, Egypt, Baalbek, Bubastus, Heliopolis 1776

Title: Temple and Ruins Plans Egypt Baalbait Bubastus Heliopolis 1776

Description:

This original engraving from 1776 illustrates schematic plans of ancient Egyptian temple sites and ruins in several historically significant locations: Baalbait, Buyiris, Benathasfar, Bubastus, and Heliopolis. These architectural layouts, shown in three registers on the plate, were based on observations made by the English traveler Richard Pococke and published in the Dutch edition of his travel account.

At the top is a ground plan labeled Baalbait and Buyiris, showing an enclosed temple area and the layout of surrounding ruins. The central register illustrates the site of Bubastus, associated with the ancient city dedicated to the cat goddess Bastet, as well as the neighboring site of Benathasfar. The bottom portion features a plan of Heliopolis, the ancient city of the sun, including a central enclosure, directional compass, and structural remnants.

These plans are found in the work titled Beschryving van het Oosten en van eenige andere landen, translated from English and annotated by Ernst Willem Cramerus. The volume in which this engraving appears is the first part of the Dutch edition, which focuses on Egypt and was published in 1776 in Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. Richard Pococke, an 18th-century English cleric and traveler, documented his journeys through Egypt, the Levant, and other parts of the East with meticulous detail. His travel books were widely read and formed the basis of early European understanding of ancient Middle Eastern civilizations.

This engraving, marked as Plate VI, served to visually represent the ground-level remains of sacred sites as they were seen in the mid 18th century, combining travel reportage with antiquarian interest.

Condition report:

In very good condition. Light general age toning and slight foxing near the right edge. A few faint creases, mostly in the margin. Strong plate impression with clear detail. Verso is blank. Folding line as issued.

Framing tips:

This print is ideal for framing in a walnut or ebony wood frame with a neutral ivory mat. A thin gold inner line can enhance the antique aesthetic. Suitable for display in a room focused on travel, archaeology, or early exploration.

Technique: Engraving

Maker: Unknown engraver after Richard Pococke, Netherlands 1776