Inscriptions on the Legs of the Colossus of Memnon – Greek & Latin Graffiti
Description: This fascinating paired engraving documents the inscriptions found on the legs of the famed Colossus of Memnon, the massive seated statue near Luxor (ancient Thebes) in Egypt. The prints, titled *Memnonis Crus Dextrum* and *Memnonis Crus Alterum*, meaning "Right Leg of Memnon" and "Other Leg of Memnon," depict the carved legs of the statue, covered in ancient Greek and Latin graffiti made by Roman visitors and soldiers during the early centuries AD.
These inscriptions were etched by pilgrims and curious travelers drawn to the statue by its legendary "singing" at dawn, a phenomenon caused by temperature shifts and the cracking of stone. Ancient tourists believed the sound was Memnon greeting his mother, Eos, the goddess of the dawn. The inscriptions recorded here serve as historical evidence of Greco-Roman tourism in Egypt and provide insight into how Classical visitors engaged with Egyptian monuments.
The engravings meticulously outline both legs and preserve hundreds of these graffiti texts, many of which include names, dedications, and dates. They appear to have been copied with great care during early European explorations of Egypt, likely from a Dutch or German source such as Cornelis de Bruijn’s travels or similar antiquarian documentation of the early 18th century.
Plate numbers "Pl. XXXVII" and "Pl. XXXVIII" appear in the corners, and the inscriptions are organized with both alphabetical and chronological notations, suggesting scholarly intent in preserving and categorizing them.
Condition: Excellent condition for its age. Fold lines as issued, with some faint creases and mild toning along the margins. No loss of image or text.
Framing tips: For dramatic effect and historical elegance, mount these prints side-by-side in a large horizontal frame with a clean white or parchment mat and a thin black or bronze frame. Ideal for a study, library, or museum display.
Technique: Copperplate engraving Maker: Unknown, likely after early 18th-century antiquarian exploration (c.1710–1720), The Netherlands or Germany
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