Lot 87: Joseph Austin Benwell (British, fl. 1865-1886)

A caravan passing the Colossi at Memnon, Thebes
signed 'J A Benwell' and dated '1876' l.r.
watercolour heightened with bodycolour
34.3 x 69.8 cm. (13 1/2 x 27 1/2 in.)

It was Amenhotep III (reigned 1391-1353 BC) who built a mortuary temple to the north of Thebes, which was later dismantled. All that now remains are the two gigantic statues of Amenhotep III that guarded the outer gates. The northern statue depicts Amenhotep with his mother, Mutemwia, while the southern statue depicts Amenhotep with his wife, Tiy and one of his daughters.