Three-dimensional archives: the Augier models of the Museum of Archaeology (Marseilles, France)

Abstract

In 1863 the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology opened its doors in Marseilles, France. From 1863 to 1889 one of its employees, Hippolyte Augier, conceived of and constructed 79 scale models representing ancient monuments and archaeological sites. This collection was exhibited in the museum with didactical and educational purposes. During the early 20th century these models were removed from the showcases and put into storage. In the last twenty years archaeologists have rediscovered Augier’s works, and his models have become archaeological archives. These documents constitute a very relevant source of information for the history of archaeology. The series of 79 models that he made can be considered as a coherent set. Studied in connection with other documents such as archives, collections and publications, the series expresses a particular conception of archaeology at the end of the 19th century.