Travels In Upper And Lower Egypt - Volume 2

The author of this work is Vivant Denon, and it is a three-volume work published in French in 1802 and in English in 1803. Denon accompanied Napoleon's army during its military expedition to Egypt in 1798, and he documented his experiences in the work. The publication of this work is considered to be the chief stimulus for the so-called "Egyptian Revival" style of architecture, interior design, and even costume. Volume 2 of the work finds Denon travelling down the Nile into Upper Egypt. Denon is disappointed when General Desaix, his mind focused on an approaching battle, does not give him an escort to visit Abydos, but he is compensated for this when the army arrives at the ruins of Thebes.

Napoleon's military expedition to Egypt in 1798 famously included various scientists and savants, among whom was the author of this three-volume work, published in French in 1802 and in English in 1803. Vivant Denon (1747-1825) was a diplomat under the Ancien Regime, but survived the Revolution thanks to the patronage of the painter David, and met Napoleon through the salon of Josephine de Beauharnais. He accompanied the army, excavating and sketching, sometimes even during battles. The publication of this lively, illustrated account is regarded as the chief stimulus for the so-called 'Egyptian Revival' style of architecture, interior design and even costume. Volume 2 finds Denon travelling down the Nile into Upper Egypt, and fretting because General Desaix, his mind focused on an approaching battle, would not give him an escort to visit Abydos. This disappointment was compensated for when the army arrived at the marvellous ruins of Thebes.