Le Kaire. Vue de la Place Appellée El Roumeyleii et de la Citadelle
by [DESCRIPTION DE L'EGYPTE]
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
New York, New York, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Paris, 1830. Copper etching by Duplessi-Bertaux after Dutertre. Very good condition apart from some minor soiling in bottom margin, several skillfully repaired tears in top margin, intruding into image in two places, repaired center fold, several creases. A fine plate from 'Description de l'Egypte', the seminal publication by the French government detailing the results of the Napoleon's pioneering military and scientific expedition to Egypt (1798-1801) and the first comprehensive illustrated description of ancient and modern Egypt.
In 1798, Napoleon embarked on his legendary expedition to Egypt with the ambition of wresting control of the region from the Turkish Empire and 'opening' the enigmatic kingdom to the West. Conquering Egypt, the geographical centerpoint in the axis of trade between Europe, India and the East, was an integral part of Bonaparte's strategic plan for global domination. Among the numerous civilians accompanying him, were the 'savants', leading French scholars, artists, scientists, engineers and technicians, whom he commissioned to compile a thorough survey of every aspect of Egypt that could later be used in planning the country's future shape. The survey was divided into various sections detailing the antiquities, modern architecture, natural history and topography of Egypt and coordinated by the 'l'Institut de l'Egypte' with a view to publication. Following the defeat of the French army, the 'savants' returned to France where a committee was established to edit and supervise the work's production. Begun under Napoleon in 1809, 'Description de l'Egypte' was finally completed in 1830. Although not a military success, the expedition and the resultant 'Description', were a scientific and cultural triumph considered by many to be the "Birth of Egyptology". Prior to Napoleon's invasion, access to and knowledge of Egypt, its culture and antiquities, were limited to the objects brought to Europe by the Romans and nineteenth-century merchants. The exquisite plates from this voluminous and invaluable work provided the first true glimpse into a once mysterious land and indelibly influenced how the west perceived Egypt. This particular plate is from the volume entitled 'Etat Moderne', which details important examples of Egyptian architecture constructed after the seventh-century Arab invasion.
In 1798, Napoleon embarked on his legendary expedition to Egypt with the ambition of wresting control of the region from the Turkish Empire and 'opening' the enigmatic kingdom to the West. Conquering Egypt, the geographical centerpoint in the axis of trade between Europe, India and the East, was an integral part of Bonaparte's strategic plan for global domination. Among the numerous civilians accompanying him, were the 'savants', leading French scholars, artists, scientists, engineers and technicians, whom he commissioned to compile a thorough survey of every aspect of Egypt that could later be used in planning the country's future shape. The survey was divided into various sections detailing the antiquities, modern architecture, natural history and topography of Egypt and coordinated by the 'l'Institut de l'Egypte' with a view to publication. Following the defeat of the French army, the 'savants' returned to France where a committee was established to edit and supervise the work's production. Begun under Napoleon in 1809, 'Description de l'Egypte' was finally completed in 1830. Although not a military success, the expedition and the resultant 'Description', were a scientific and cultural triumph considered by many to be the "Birth of Egyptology". Prior to Napoleon's invasion, access to and knowledge of Egypt, its culture and antiquities, were limited to the objects brought to Europe by the Romans and nineteenth-century merchants. The exquisite plates from this voluminous and invaluable work provided the first true glimpse into a once mysterious land and indelibly influenced how the west perceived Egypt. This particular plate is from the volume entitled 'Etat Moderne', which details important examples of Egyptian architecture constructed after the seventh-century Arab invasion.
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Details
- Seller
- Donald Heald Rare Books (US)
- Seller's Inventory #
- 28468
- Title
- Le Kaire. Vue de la Place Appellée El Roumeyleii et de la Citadelle
- Author
- [DESCRIPTION DE L'EGYPTE]
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Place of Publication
- Paris
- Date Published
- 1830
- Bookseller catalogs
- Topographical Views;
Terms of Sale
Donald Heald Rare Books
All items are guaranteed as described. Any purchase may be returned for a full refund within 10 working days as long as it is returned in the same condition and is packed and shipped correctly.
About the Seller
Donald Heald Rare Books
Biblio member since 2006
New York, New York
About Donald Heald Rare Books
Donald Heald Rare Books, Prints, and Maps offers the finest examples of antiquarian books and prints in the areas of botany, ornithology, natural history, Americana and Canadiana, Native American, voyage and travel, maps and atlases, photography, and more. We are open by appointment only.
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