When I looked online and found the etching that is posted at the top of this page, There was something familiar about it and a bit of family history floated to the top of my memory. My second great uncle (I think) on my mother's side of the family was an accomplished illustrator - Agustus Hoppin, or Uncle Gus.
Growing up, we were all told stories of his talents and accomplishments, including a book of illustrations and brief written vignettes of his travels to Egypt in, I think, 1873. The original travel blog!I remembered seeing a sketch of the Spinx that he had done and it always fascinated me when I was young because he visited it before the whole body was uncovered. Just a head in the desert.
(The images are courtesy of Harvard University Library online site)
What makes this interesting, aside from his talented illustrations, is that for thousands of years visitors to Egypt have had an opportunity to share similar experiences. His experiences are relatively current.
Awesome, John. He was indeed a talented artist. How cool to find this as you're preparing for your trip.
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