Marguerite Naville

Born on 14 August 1852 in Versoix, Canton of Geneva, Isabelle-Marguerite de Pourtalès was the daughter of Alexandre Joseph de Pourtalès (1810–1883), a Prussian count and artillery officer, and his wife Augusta Marie Élisabeth née Saladin (1815–1885). She was influenced by her family's allegiance to the Germans during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 but went on to support the French during the First World War. • Illustration — Naville's grave (right) in 2021. Together with the Egyptologist Édouard Naville (1844-1926), whom she married in 1873, she had five children. She accompanied him on 14 trips to Egypt from 1884 to 1914. While in Egypt, it was she who managed the excavation sites, caring for the workers and carefully following the progress made. In addition to the photographs she took, she depicted the finds in the many detailed drawings which her husband used to illustrate his published works. In her many diaries, in addition to descriptions of progress on the excavations, she provided accounts of other Egyptologists, including Howard Carter. Her writings also attest to her strong Protestant beliefs, reflecting her support for the evangelical revival movement. Marguerite Naville died in Malagny near Geneva on 14 December 1930 aged 78 years. She found her final resting place at the cemetery of Genthod in a grave next to the one of her husband.

Marguerite Naville was recorded at birth as Marguerite Isabelle de Pourtalès. The authorities additionally record the heading Marguerite-Isabelle Naville. Her recorded language was French. She was the child of Alexandre Joseph de Pourtalès and Augusta von Pourtalès. She married Édouard Naville. 2 children are recorded: Charles Frédéric Naville and Lucien Naville. Other recorded relations include Gustave Naville and Marcel Naville.

Marguerite Naville is recorded with the occupation photographer. Recorded as egyptologist, photographer, writer, draftsperson and illustrator.