JEAN-BAPTISTE LEPÈRE (PARIS 1761-1844)

This drawing was engraved by Phelippeau in the same direction but with far fewer figures, as plate 18 in volume 1 of the monumental Description de L'Egypt, commissioned by Napoleon after his Egyptian campaign. The books record the temples and monuments of Egypt and were profoundly influential on European taste. The watercolour is an important record of the decoration of the interior of the temple, even if La Pere has taken some small liberties in his representation.