Ethiopia, Pyramids of Barkal

Buffalo, NY: American Polytechnic Company, 1887. Limited. very good. Color lithograph. Image measures 12" x 18". Sheet measures 21" x 27 1/4". Plate XII.<br/><br/> This color lithograph depicts the Ethiopian pyramids located on the western side of Mount Barkal. Published in 1887, the scene clearly demonstrates the vast difference in architectural style between these Ethiopian pyramids and their more famous Egyptian brethren, the former being taller, narrower, and steeper in slope than the latter. A hazy green sky floats above the small pyramids and the even smaller travelers who approach them via a circuitous path which leads away from the rocky landscape in the foreground. This print is from a limited edition of Binion's "Ancient Egypt or Mizraim," Vol. II, considered a landmark of American chromolithography. This print image itself is in very good condition except for very minor foxing in the sky and a tiny loss just below and left of center. There is a tear extending up from the bottom edge of the sheet, but it does not interfere with 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/>