Long description

This is a sepia coloured print. Five fluted columns stand on a high platform which runs diagonally across the scene. Parts of a second row of columns can be seen beyond them. Fire is raging inside the building. The flames and smoke are fanning towards the right. In the foreground a dense angry crowd has gathered in front of it. They are standing on the steps up to the building and in the square below looking towards it. Most are carrying torches. In the centre of the crowd on the steps a man is holding up a long pole. At the end of it is a cross with a circle inside.

To the right of the building there is a statue of Serapis wearing a small basket on his head. He is seated regally on a high-backed throne. He holds a two-pronged sceptre in his left hand. A three-headed creature is visible beside him. A ladder has been placed against the statue’s base and men are scaling it. Some have reached the top.

In the background to the right is the town. A tall Egyptian obelisk with a small pyramid on the top stands in a square. Beyond it are columned buildings with triangular pediments.

In the bottom right-hand corner at the edge of the steps is a pedestal with a small sphinx on top.