Studies of a Hippopotamus, one head and shoulders and two heads

The hippopotamus, a then-resident of the Nile Delta, was a subject of fascination due to its size and biblical associations, notably the debate over its identification with the 'Behemoth' from the book of Job. Salt's drawing reflects both scientific curiosity and personal experience.

Executed by a trained artist (under J. Glover, J. Farington, and J. Hoppner), the drawing showcases Salt's artistic skills, honed through portrait-painting and later applied to documenting Egyptian antiquities. The precise, observant style suggests an emphasis on accuracy.

Created during Salt's tenure as British Consul-General in Egypt (1816-27), the drawing is part of his broader engagement with the region. Salt's collections, including this piece, were largely acquired by prominent museums, with this work now residing in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Reflecting the early 19th-century intersection of natural history, diplomacy, and antiquarian interests, the drawing is contemporaneous with Salt's support of excavations (e.g., those by G.B. Belzoni) and his own hunting and collecting activities in Egypt.

As part of Salt's oeuvre, the drawing contributes to the historical record of hippopotamus presence in the Nile Delta and exemplifies the artistic and scientific endeavors of a pivotal figure in early 19th-century Egyptological and natural history circles.