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Exhumation Collection

"Unearthing the Past: The Fascinating World of Exhumation" Exhumation, a process that delves into history's mysteries and seeks justice for the departed

Background imageExhumation Collection: Examination of a mummy - a Priestess of Amun, c. 1891 (oil on canvas)

Examination of a mummy - a Priestess of Amun, c. 1891 (oil on canvas)
PNH367462 Examination of a mummy - a Priestess of Amun, c.1891 (oil on canvas) by Philippoteaux, Paul Dominique (1846-1923); 183x274.5 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageExhumation Collection: The order and manner of taking up the body of John Wickliff

The order and manner of taking up the body of John Wickliff
STC469105 The order and manner of taking up the body of John Wickliff, and burning his bones 44 years after his death, illustration from Acts and Monuments by John Foxe, ninth edition, pub

Background imageExhumation Collection: Ceremony at Saint-Ail (colour litho)

Ceremony at Saint-Ail (colour litho)
2818409 Ceremony at Saint-Ail (colour litho) by Meyer, Henri (1841-99) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ceremony at Saint-Ail)

Background imageExhumation Collection: The Exhumation of General Paolis Remains (engraving)

The Exhumation of General Paolis Remains (engraving)
1046582 The Exhumation of General Paolis Remains (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Exhumation of General Paolis Remains)

Background imageExhumation Collection: A Visit to the Veddahs or Wild Men of Ceylon (engraving)

A Visit to the Veddahs or Wild Men of Ceylon (engraving)
1046301 A Visit to the Veddahs or Wild Men of Ceylon (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Visit to the Veddahs or Wild Men of Ceylon)

Background imageExhumation Collection: Window wXX depicting St Ambrose finds the remains of St Gervais and St Protais

Window wXX depicting St Ambrose finds the remains of St Gervais and St Protais
720528 Window wXX depicting St Ambrose finds the remains of St Gervais and St Protais (stained glass) by French School, (12th century); Le Mans, Sarthe, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageExhumation Collection: Opening of the sarcophagus of the Emperor Charlemagne in Aachen (colour litho)

Opening of the sarcophagus of the Emperor Charlemagne in Aachen (colour litho)
3097620 Opening of the sarcophagus of the Emperor Charlemagne in Aachen (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageExhumation Collection: The Exhumation (engraving)

The Exhumation (engraving)
5227643 The Exhumation (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Exhumation. Illustration for The History of Napoleon Bonaparte by R H Horne (George Routledge)

Background imageExhumation Collection: The Exhumation, c. 1890. Creator: Linton Park

The Exhumation, c. 1890. Creator: Linton Park
The Exhumation, c. 1890

Background imageExhumation Collection: Memorial tablet Four canons Saints Augustine

Memorial tablet Four canons Saints Augustine
Memorial tablet, Four canons with Saints Augustine and Hieronymus at an open grave with the Visitation, Four regular canons from the chapter of Sion of St

Background imageExhumation Collection: Men women look opened tombs historical persons Sic transit Gloria mundi

Men women look opened tombs historical persons Sic transit Gloria mundi
Men and women look into the opened tombs of historical persons Sic transit Gloria mundi / Mors ultima linea rerum (title on object), Men and women

Background imageExhumation Collection: The Exhumation of Saint Hubert, 1430s. Artist: Weyden, Rogier, van der (ca. 1399-1464)

The Exhumation of Saint Hubert, 1430s. Artist: Weyden, Rogier, van der (ca. 1399-1464)
The Exhumation of Saint Hubert, 1430s. Found in the collection of the National Gallery, London

Background imageExhumation Collection: Men and women look in the opened tombs of historical figures, Cornelis van Dalen I, 1655

Men and women look in the opened tombs of historical figures, Cornelis van Dalen I, 1655

Background imageExhumation Collection: Transferring the Bones of the Royal Family to the Church of St. Denis, 18th January 1817

Transferring the Bones of the Royal Family to the Church of St. Denis, 18th January 1817
XIR231593 Transferring the Bones of the Royal Family to the Church of St. Denis, 18th January 1817 (oil on canvas) by Heim, Francois Joseph (1787-1865); Musee de l Ile de France, Sceaux

Background imageExhumation Collection: Man at an open grave in a church, print maker: Willem van Senus, Bartholomeus Johannes

Man at an open grave in a church, print maker: Willem van Senus, Bartholomeus Johannes van Hove, 1800 - 1851



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"Unearthing the Past: The Fascinating World of Exhumation" Exhumation, a process that delves into history's mysteries and seeks justice for the departed, has captivated minds for centuries. From El Salvador to ancient Egypt, this practice has shed light on long-forgotten stories and brought closure to those who have waited half a lifetime. In the Wider Image captured by talented artists like Mr Yeomans in 1814 and 1824, we witness disinterment unfolding before our eyes. With delicate strokes of watercolor and ink wash over pencil on paper, they depict scenes that transport us back in time. Similarly, an engraving from The Ardlamont Mystery takes us deep into an unsolved case where exhumation may hold the key. The Compendium Maleticarum woodcut illustration from Milan in 1608 reveals how exhuming bodies was not only limited to solving crimes but also explored within the realm of magic. This intriguing connection between exhumation and mysticism is further exemplified by an oil painting depicting the examination of a mummy - a Priestess of Amun dating back to c. 1891. Throughout history, rituals surrounding exhumations have been observed with great solemnity. Whether it be "The order and manner of taking up the body of John Wickliff" or ceremonies at Saint-Ail depicted in vivid color lithographs, these moments remind us of humanity's reverence for its ancestors. Notable figures have also undergone this process; their remains unearthed to honor their legacy or uncover hidden truths. Engravings showcasing "The Exhumation of General Paolis Remains" or even Charlemagne's sarcophagus being opened in Aachen offer glimpses into these extraordinary events. But they are not solely confined to famous individuals; they can reveal astonishing discoveries about forgotten cultures as well.