Harry Burton, one of the great heroes of British photography, played a crucial role in bringing Tutankhamun to life for the world. As the official photographer for Howard Carter’s Tutankhamun excavation during the 1920s, Burton created some of the 20th Century’s most famous images and helped to make Tutankhamun an international sensation.
Burton was born in 1879 in Stamford, Lincolnshire, England. After completing his education, he began working as a photographer’s assistant in London, before embarking on a career as a freelance photographer. In 1913, he was hired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to document the excavation of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. It was during this time that Burton first met Howard Carter, who was leading the excavation.
When Carter was appointed to lead the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, he immediately hired Burton as his official photographer. Burton was responsible for documenting the entire excavation process, which lasted for nearly a decade. He used a large format camera, which produced high-quality images that could be blown up to large sizes without losing clarity.
Burton’s images of the tomb and its treasures were instrumental in creating the public’s fascination with Tutankhamun. They captured the mystery and wonder of the ancient Egyptian culture and brought it to life in a way that had never been seen before. The images were widely reproduced in newspapers, magazines, and books, and were even used on postcards and other souvenirs.
Burton’s most famous image is the one of Tutankhamun’s golden death mask, which has become an icon of ancient Egypt. The image captures the intricate details of the mask, including the delicate inlay of lapis lazuli and other precious stones. The mask is now on display in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, but Burton’s image remains one of the most famous and recognizable in the world.
Moreover, Burton was not just a photographer, but also a skilled archaeologist. He worked closely with Carter and other experts to document and catalog the objects found in the tomb. His meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the beauty of the objects helped to further the study of ancient Egyptian art and culture.
After the excavation was completed, Burton returned to London and continued to work as a photographer. He died in 1940, but his legacy lives on through his images of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Today, these images are still widely admired for their beauty and their contribution to our understanding of ancient Egypt.
Sadly, there are no surviving images that depict the details of Tutankhamun’s life. Most of what is known about his life and reign comes from the artifacts and treasures found in his tomb. These artifacts include items such as his golden mask, throne, and sarcophagus, which provide some insight into his royal status and beliefs about the afterlife.
Additionally, inscriptions on the walls of his tomb and other temples help to piece together some aspects of his life, such as his lineage, family members, and religious practices. However, these sources are limited and often open to interpretation by scholars and Egyptologists.
It’s important to note that much of what is commonly associated with Tutankhamun, such as the curse of the pharaohs, has been largely debunked as myth and fiction. It’s essential to rely on credible sources and evidence-based research when discussing historical figures and events.
Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 18th dynasty (1332-1323 BC) in the New Kingdom period. He ascended to the throne at a young age, likely around 9 or 10 years old, and ruled for approximately 10 years until his death at the age of 19.
Tutankhamun’s life was largely unremarkable in terms of his accomplishments as a ruler, but his legacy is tied to the discovery of his tomb in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. The discovery of his tomb was one of the most significant archaeological finds in history, as it was virtually untouched by looters and contained a wealth of treasures and artifacts that provided insight into the daily life and culture of ancient Egypt.
Despite his relatively short reign and lack of significant accomplishments, Tutankhamun is remembered as a symbol of ancient Egypt and its rich history. His tomb, filled with intricate jewelry, furniture, and other artifacts, continues to be a major tourist attraction in Egypt and a source of fascination for people around the world.
There are many theories about Tutankhamun’s life and death, with some historians suggesting that he may have been assassinated or died as a result of illness or injury. Recent scientific research has revealed that he suffered from several health problems, including a club foot and genetic disorders that may have contributed to his early death.
Regardless of the mysteries surrounding his life and death, Tutankhamun remains a significant figure in the history of ancient Egypt and a testament to the enduring legacy of this fascinating civilization.
In conclusion, Harry Burton’s images of Tutankhamun’s tomb and its treasures played a crucial role in bringing ancient Egypt to life for the world. His work not only captured the beauty and mystery of the culture, but also helped to advance the study of ancient Egyptian art and archaeology. Burton’s legacy as one of the great heroes of British photography is secure, and his images will continue to inspire and fascinate people for generations to come.
