The University's Greek and Latin Epigraphy Service has a collection of stamps and rubbings. The technique of stamping has been used since the beginning of the 19th century by epigraphers who wished to scientifically analyse ancient inscriptions engraved on stone. By taking an impression of the inscription on laid paper without glue, so as to obtain a mould of the letters and signs engraved on the stone, researchers were able to have access to a scientific material for which there were generally no photographs or for which the rare photographic reproductions did not make it possible to observe the details finely enough, or even to read the text. Charcoal rubbings are another technique that allows precise traces of an inscription to be preserved.
Stampings and rubbings are very important witnesses to the state of an engraved text. Many inscriptions have indeed disappeared since the rubbing or stamping, or have been damaged by climatic conditions. In addition, the technique of stamping sometimes makes it possible to detect signs that would be impossible to read on the stone.
The University's Greek inscription prints number about 150 and were made at the very beginning of the 20th century by Professor Charles Michel. The most recent ones date from the middle of the last century and were made by Prof. Jules Labarbe, during his stay at the French School of Athens.
The collection of Latin stamps includes about one hundred pieces, many of which concern inscriptions from Rome and Pompeii. They are mainly due to professors Jean-Pierre Waltzing, Léon Halkin and Étienne Évrard. A thousand rubbings complete this collection.
Even though modern techniques make it possible to observe the inscriptions in detail, the stamps remain valuable for teaching and research.
Le Service d’épigraphie grecque et latine de l’Université possède une collection d’estampages et de frottis. La technique de l’estampage a été utilisée dès le début du XIXe siècle par les épigraphistes qui souhaitaient analyser scientifiquement les inscriptions antiques gravées sur la pierre.
