57 Dominique Vivant Denon (1747–1825) – Ruins of a Temple on Elephantine Island – Egypt – Engraving (1809)

This antique engraving is from the Dominique Vivant Denon’s ”Voyage dans la Basse et la Haute Égypte, pendant les

campagnes de Bonaparte” (Journey in Lower and Upper Egypt during the Campaigns of Bonaparte). The work was published by Samuel Bagster in London, 1809.

This engraving presents a dramatic view of temple ruins on Elephantine Island, located at the southern edge of ancient Egypt near modern Aswan. The composition captures crumbling columns, shattered lintels, and topographical elevation, providing one of the earliest published European views of this sacred Nile island. The original French title refers to “Ruine d’un des Temples de C-Kate Oliphantine,” a transliteration of Elephantine.

The print comes from Voyage dans la Basse et la Haute Égypte, pendant les campagnes de Bonaparte, Dominique Vivant Denon’s extraordinary illustrated account of Napoleon’s 1798 expedition to Egypt. Published in London by Samuel Bagster in 1809, the work helped establish a visual foundation for the discipline of Egyptology by documenting, often for the first time, numerous ancient sites along the Nile.

Dominique Vivant Denon (1747–1825) was a French artist, diplomat, archaeologist, and director of the Louvre. A close associate of Napoleon, Denon was selected to join the Egyptian campaign and tasked with recording monuments and antiquities. His engravings remain a landmark in both scientific exploration and visual history.

Artist or Maker:

Dominique Vivant Denon

Dimensions:

48 cm x 30 cm

Medium:

Engraving

Date:

1809

Condition Report:

This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.