Thebes. Tomb in the Valley of Assassif

Buffalo, NY: American Polytechnic Company, 1887. Limited. Color lithograph. Image measures 12" x 18". Sheet measures 21" x 27 1/4". Plate XIX.<br/><br/> This color lithograph depicts an elaborately decorated Egyptian tomb, guarded by two sculptures of women and surrounded by jars and plates containing the provisions the Egyptians believed necessary for the journey to the afterlife. Published in 1887, the print illustrates the intricate designwork executed on the tomb's facade. This print is from a limited edition of Binion's "Ancient Egypt or Mizraim," Vol. II, considered a landmark of American chromolithography. This print is in very good condition with some discoloration and fingerprints in the margins, but they do not affect the quality of the image. Samuel Augustus Binion (1853-1914) was a Polish author, traveler, and translator. With "Ancient Egypt," he sought to present Egyptian history, art, and architecture in a thorough manner. He intended the size of the work to be sumptuous enough to allow for the faithful depiction of buildings, ornamentation, hieroglyphics, and decorations in their original colors, yet still manageable for use in both private and public libraries.<br/><br/>