The sarcophagus of Seti I, the pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, is a notable artifact. It was originally crafted to house Seti I's mummy and is known for its intricate carvings and detailed inscriptions. Seti I was a pharaoh of the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt, he ruled from around 1290 to 1279 BCE and was the father of Ramses II. His reign was marked by military campaigns, temple construction, and contributions to Egyptian art and architecture.
Image credit: Alexander Newton May 2022
The sarcophagus is located in the Sepulchral Chamber in the basement of the Museum. It was brought to London by Giovanni Battista Belzoni, an Italian explorer and archaeologist, in 1821. He moved to London in the early 19th century where he aimed to promote his findings and share his experiences of Egypt. He exhibited artifacts and replicas of Egyptian monuments, attracting public attention to the wonders of ancient Egypt. London served as a hub for scholarly and public engagement with his contributions to Egyptology during that time.
Joseph Michael Gandy, View of the left side of the sarcophagus, with hypothetical placement of fragments of the lid, Nov 18, 1825, The Trustees of Sir John Soane’s Museum
The sarcophagus was the most expensive object purchased by Soane, and it was his most highly prized possession. Soane held three evening receptions at the Museum after acquiring the sarcophagus, to celebrate its arrival, attended by some of the leading figures in British art and society.
Image credit: Matt Chung, 2020
During our special events our guests can hear the sarcophagus’ story and admire its outstanding beauty. For more information on booking a reception at the Sir John Soane's Museum, please email events@soane.org.uk to request a brochure