Unwrapping the Mummy before 1825

Harriet Cheney made this etching, Unwrapping the Mummy, around the turn of the 19th century. It depicts a scene of scientific curiosity, combined with social spectacle. In England, at this time, Egyptomania was all the rage and ‘unwrapping parties’ became a popular form of entertainment among the educated elite. The image creates meaning through its detailed depiction of a specific cultural moment. We can see a group of people gathered around a mummy, ready to unwrap it, while others sketch the scene. Cheney’s artwork offers insights into the social conditions that shaped artistic production. It reflects the fascination with ancient Egypt, and the culture of scientific exploration. It speaks to the role of art in documenting and popularizing these interests. Historians can use a variety of resources, such as period newspapers and scientific journals, to better understand the social and intellectual context of this work. By understanding that context we can come to reflect on the meaning of art, and of social progress.