Gouache > Middle East & North Africa

Napoleon's invasion of Egypt included 500 civilians who were charged with recording "the cradle of the science and art of all humanity", as Napoleon said. They traversed a country at war under stifling heat, documenting the arts, architecture flora and fauna. These images incited a craving for culture and exploration and a pillaging of ancient remains along the Nile.

Napoleon's Collection (detail)
Napoleon's Collection (detail)
gouache
2012