Ernst-Sieglin-Gedenktafel

Who was Ernst von Sieglin, and why does a plaque in Stuttgart bear his name? The Ernst-Sieglin-Gedenktafel, right here before us, commemorates a man of remarkable contrasts: a soap tycoon, an archaeology enthusiast, and a generous patron of the arts. Born in Stuttgart in 1848, Ernst von Sieglin didn’t initially set out to unearth ancient treasures. He began his career in the more practical world of commerce. After working in London and Aachen, Sieglin, along with chemist Richard Thompson, developed a powdered soap. This innovative product, marketed as “Dr. Thompson’s Seifenpulver – Marke Schwan,” became a huge success. Sieglin’s business acumen led him to establish factories in Wittenberg, Berlin, and even Verviers, Belgium. His wealth grew, and by 1898, he had retired from active business at the age of 50. This newfound freedom allowed him to pursue his passion for archaeology. Inspired by his brother, Wilhelm, a historical geographer, Sieglin financed two major expeditions to Egypt. The first, between 1898 and 1902, focused on Alexandria. While the elusive tomb of Alexander the Great remained undiscovered, the expedition unearthed the Kôm-Esch-Schukâfa necropolis, a multi-level underground burial site. Later excavations explored the Serapeion and the royal quarter of Alexandria. Sieglin’s second expedition, from 1909 to 1914, concentrated on Pharaonic Egypt. Under the direction of Egyptologist Georg Steindorff, the expedition unearthed the mortuary temple of Khafre at Giza. Sieglin not only funded these expeditions but also ensured the meticulous documentation and publication of their findings. He amassed a vast collection of antiquities, partly through the then-common practice of fund division and partly through acquiring private collections. Instead of keeping these treasures for himself, Sieglin generously donated them to various institutions. The University of Tübingen, the University of Leipzig, the Albertinum in Dresden, and the Landesmuseum Württemberg all benefited from his generosity. The Ernst-Sieglin-Gedenktafel stands as a testament to his contributions. So, as you gaze at this plaque, remember Ernst von Sieglin. He was a man who transitioned from the world of soap to the sands of Egypt, leaving a lasting mark on both.