MADRID.- A fascinating journey into 19th-century collecting is now on view at the National Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico Nacional) in Madrid, with the exhibition "Eduard Toda's Egypt: A Journey into 19th Century Collecting." This unprecedented monographic show highlights the remarkable Egyptian collection amassed by Spanish diplomat Eduard Toda i Güell (1855–1941) during his tenure as Vice-Consul in Egypt from 1884 to 1886.
Running from June 3, 2025, to October 5, 2025, the exhibition features over 400 pieces, a significant portion of the nearly 1,350 items Toda brought back to Spain. Many of these artifacts have never been publicly displayed before, making this a unique opportunity for visitors.
Toda's collection stands out as the most comprehensive and diverse Egyptian holding within the National Archaeological Museum's vast archives, spanning an immense chronological range from the Predynastic period (around 3500 BC) to the Christian-Byzantine era (7th century AD). The pieces, which include everything from unique Predynastic vessels to more common amulets and Greco-Roman terracottas, offer invaluable insights into the daily life, customs, and religious beliefs of ancient Egyptians.
The exhibition delves into Toda's multifaceted career, beginning with his early diplomatic assignments in the Far East (1876-1882), where his interest in foreign cultures first blossomed. It then moves to his pivotal time in Egypt, highlighting his integration into Cairene society and his collaborations with renowned Egyptologists like G. Gaston Maspero, director of the Egyptian Antiquities Service.
A particularly compelling section details Toda's participation in an inspection trip to Upper Egypt in the winter of 1886. During this journey, he witnessed the opening of the tomb of Sennedjem in Luxor, a newly discovered site. Entrusted by Maspero himself with the complete study of the tomb and its funerary contents, Toda later published his findings. The exhibition even features a polychrome wooden shabti box from Sennedjem's tomb and a reconstruction of its richly painted burial chamber.
Upon his return to Spain, Toda offered most of his collection to the State, which acquired it for the National Archaeological Museum. He also generously donated numerous items, along with his collection of photographs and rubbings of Egyptian monuments, to the Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer, reflecting his close friendship with its founder.
Beyond his collecting, Toda was dedicated to sharing his knowledge, giving lectures on mummification and publishing works about his Egyptian experiences. His career continued with various diplomatic posts, including participating in peace negotiations after the Cuban War, before he eventually retired to focus on historical research and heritage recovery in Tarragona.
The exhibition is complemented by a comprehensive catalog, as well as a rich program of activities. These include scientific conferences for deeper engagement with Egyptology, free guided tours, family activities like games and storytelling, and even a hieroglyphic writing workshop and a short story contest inspired by 19th-century travel. The museum is also launching a book club to coincide with the exhibition, further encouraging exploration of the era's fascinating journeys.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the National Archaeological Museum, and ASISA, with support from various foundations and associations, "Eduard Toda's Egypt" is more than just an art display; it's an immersive experience into the life of a passionate collector and the enduring allure of ancient Egypt.
