Voyage dans la Basse et Haute Egypte : Planisphère du petit appartement sur le temple de Tentyris / Plan du petit appartement. (Planche 130).<br /><br />

Original print folio, taken from Travels in Upper and Lower Egypt Vivant Denon. Board decorated with an engraving divided into two figures, and described by the author: # 1 is the plan of small apartment that is about the height of the Great Temple of Tentyra: It is difficult to say what was the use: it was an oratory, an observatory, a sanctuary, an apartment? Judging by the subjects that are sculpted we might believe that it was a place to study, a place devoted to astronomy, or perhaps devoted entirely to the burial of a person who would have recommended part of discovery, the results of studies of his life; there was entering through a small door, 4: the first room, C, is no ceiling, and looks like a small courtyard, decorated with the same care as other parts; against the side wall on the right shows a mummy lying beneath which is a long inscription; a door, No. 2, was entering into the room B, lighted by two large windows; on the ceiling of this room is carved celestial planisphere, same board, 2; a great figure, board CXVIII, No. 5, and another bas-relief, board CXXIX, No. 4; In the room, almost completely obscure, receives air and light through the door, No. 1; its ceiling is decorated with two bas-reliefs, which can be seen drawing some board CXXIX, No. 6: I have not had time to draw each other apart; it was less interesting and very rough: this sketch is the small mass without detail. No.2 When I made the drawing of the planisphere, I was not expected to give an explanation, but bring proof that the Egyptians had a planetary system, that their acquaintance was reduced from heaven principles that the only image of their signs prouvoit course the Greeks had taken these signs in them, and by the Romans they were come down to us; I thought finally put me in the case to provide scholars and antiquarians of Europe a fitting tribute to them, and earn their gratitude. Light exposure, a few tiny specks, otherwise good condition. Published for the first time in two volumes, an atlas of engravings, Didot, in 1802, the 'Journey to the Lower and Upper Egypt proved so successful that it was translated in 1803 into English and German, and a few years later in Dutch and Italian, among others. Almost all boards are designed by Denon, who also engraved himself a few, including portraits of the inhabitants of Egypt, who still kept the freshness of sketches taken on the spot (our 104-111 ). Two dozen writers have also collaborated on the creation of which Baltard, Galen, Reville and other etchings. Dominique Vivant, Baron Denon says Vivant Denon, born in Givry January 4, 1747 and died in Paris April 27, 1825, is a writer, author, diplomat and French administrator. At the invitation of Bonaparte, he joined the expedition to Egypt in shipping from May 14, 1798 on the frigate "La Juno." Protected by French troops, he had the opportunity to travel the country in all directions in order to gather the material that was the basis for his artistic work and the most important literary. It supports in particular General Desaix in Upper Egypt, which he refers to numerous sketches, ink wash and other drawings in pen, black chalk, or chalk. He draws constantly, usually on his knee, standing or on horseback, and sometimes even under enemy fire. After a journey of 13 months during which he draws thousands of drawings, Vivant Denon returned to France with Bonaparte, and became the first artist to publish the story of the expedition. The 141 boards that accompany his diary retrace its entire journey from the coast of Corsica to the pharaonic monuments of Upper Egypt. Bonaparte then appointed Director General of the Central Museum of the Republic, which became the Napoleon Museum and the Royal Louvre and arts administrator. In 1805, Vivant Denon revival project of the Vendome column, which had been suspended in 1803 then organizes expeditions across Europe to raise imperial works of art which are plundered to be carried away to the Louvre. In 1814, Louis XVIII confirmed as head of the Louvre, one wing of which still bears his name today. It is considered a great precursor of museology, art history and Egyptology.