Jean Emile Humbert - First Archaeological Expedition

First Archaeological Expedition

Between 1822 and 1824 Humbert would go on his first archaeological expedition for the Dutch government. Reuvens wished to publish about Carthage, and with that be the first to do a serious large scale study about the city. He repeatedly noted how Carthage had been of huge importance in antiquity, but was not yet studied in modernity. Humbert was asked to conduct excavations at Carthage, buy antiquities unearthed at nearby Utica, collect Punic material and work on plans, drawings and sketches.

The Dutch Department of Education, Arts and Sciences arranged for the expedition and financed it. Humbert received an increase in his pension, and was given funds for the excavations and purchases. At this time Humbert was awarded with the Order of the Netherlands Lion, both as a reward for his troubles and in order to impress the Tunisians.

After securing a positive relationship with the ruler in Tunis, Humbert set his mind on the purchase of nine sculptures discovered at Utica. Unfortunately a top piece in the group was sold and shipped to Denmark, but Humbert managed to procure the other eight statues. These still form an essential part of the current collection in Leiden, at the National Museum of Antiquities.

Humbert continued to collect antiquities and went on to conduct numerous excavations. All of these excavations were small though, the longest one lasting only two weeks. Though there certainly were finds, none of the artifacts were very special. Most notable about these excavations is the level of precision with which Humbert conducted them, making notes and impressive drawings.

Upon returning to the Netherlands late 1824, Humbert delivered sixty-five crates full of art and artifacts. Professor Reuvens was pleased with the additions to the collection, but wanted a second expedition.