The Drexel Collection: From Egypt To The Diaspora

Chapter Summary

The story behind Drexel collection is of interest in its own right, and provides basic information that will permit curators and collectors of Egyptian antiquities to identify pieces from the original collection and restore some of their lost provenance. Col. Anthony J. Drexel had the cash and the contacts to quickly acquire spectacular collection of antiquities. In a single purchase he bought a large shipment of antiquities mummies with their sarcophagi, stelae, papyri, bronzes, pottery, glass, jewelry, coins, sculpture, shabtis, tools and utensils from Predynastic to Roman Period a panoply of the ancient civilization. Providing little extra provenance makes an interesting footnote to the Drexel collection story. Identification of pieces and review of the early catalogues can restore some interesting provenances. By recounting the story of the exodus and diaspora of the Drexel Collection of Egyptian antiquities will lead to more of the pieces being reunited with their history.

Keywords: Col. Anthony J. Drexel; diaspora; Egyptian antiquities