Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Tombeau de Lipsius. Pyramide. Chefren. 1880-1890

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"Tombeau de Lipsius"
Pierre Henri Theodore Tetar van Elven
1880-1890
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Painted in Egypt between 1880 and 1890 by the monumentally-named Pierre Henri Theodore Tetar van Elven (1828-1908), this work of watercolor over pencil is accented with white oil paint.

Titled, “Tombeau de Lipsius,” the image actually depicts a scene from Giza of the Pyramid of Khufu. Such a painting would have satisfied the growing desire for exotic images of Egypt which developed from late Nineteenth Century archaeological finds.

Painting of the Day: Tombeau de Lipsius. Pyramide. Chefren. 1880-1890

Click on image to enlarge
"Tombeau de Lipsius"
Pierre Henri Theodore Tetar van Elven
1880-1890
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Painted in Egypt between 1880 and 1890 by the monumentally-named Pierre Henri Theodore Tetar van Elven (1828-1908), this work of watercolor over pencil is accented with white oil paint.

Titled, “Tombeau de Lipsius,” the image actually depicts a scene from Giza of the Pyramid of Khufu. Such a painting would have satisfied the growing desire for exotic images of Egypt which developed from late Nineteenth Century archaeological finds.

Precious Time: A Magnificent Clock by Vulliamy & Son, 1807

Egyptian Revival Clock
1807-1808
Vulliamy & Son
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Early Nineteenth Century discoveries of Egyptian artifacts caused an interest in the style of ancient Egypt and a spate of objects designed in England in the Egyptian taste. This style was especially dominant in objects with an inherent architectural quality such as clocks and tombstones.


This gorgeous clock in the Egyptian style in the work of English clockmakers Vulliamy & Son. The case is supported by figures of the god, Horus and is adorned with patinated bronze and ormolu.

Before being donated to the Victoria & Albert Museum, this clock was in the collection of Queen Mary prior to her marriage to King George V.

Painting of the Day: Tombeau de Lipsius. Pyramide. Chefren. 1880-1890

Click on image to enlarge
"Tombeau de Lipsius"
Pierre Henri Theodore Tetar van Elven
1880-1890
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Painted in Egypt between 1880 and 1890 by the monumentally-named Pierre Henri Theodore Tetar van Elven (1828-1908), this work of watercolor over pencil is accented with white oil paint.

Titled, “Tombeau de Lipsius,” the image actually depicts a scene from Giza of the Pyramid of Khufu. Such a painting would have satisfied the growing desire for exotic images of Egypt which developed from late Nineteenth Century archaeological finds.

Object of the Day: A Victorian Egyptian Revival Stickpin

As British archaeologists made surprising and wonderful discoveries in Egypt in the 1870s, designers of the time began to incorporate Egytptian motifs into their art. Furniture, architecture, and especially jewelry began to see the influence of ancient Egyptian style.


This glittering stickpin shows the influence of Egyptian design on British jewelers. Her face is constructed of rosy, hand-painted enamel over gold. The enamel work is exquisite and shows a depth and radiance that perfectly mimics natural skin tone. Her hair, tendrils of gold, cascades over her face, and her diadem is set with mine cut diamonds and rubies mounted by a single, perfect pearl.

In excellent condition, this Victorian stickpin was probably the star of the show and a very prized possession. Worn in the silk cravat of a fine gentleman, she would have stared out mysteriously, beckoning all who gazed upon her to explore the treasures of the world.