In 1798 Napoleon invaded Egypt. He took with him artists whose sketches of the unusual art and architecture were published in the multi-volume encyclopedia Description de l’Egypte (1809-29). Looking for new and different designs, Victorians used these volumes as inspiration, topping graves with obelisks, pyramids, sphinxes and Egyptianized pediments and columns.
In 1798 Napoleon invaded Egypt. He took with him artists whose sketches of the unusual art and architecture were published in the multi-volume encyclopedia Description de l’Egypte (1809-29). Looking for new and different designs, Victorians used these volumes as inspiration, topping graves with obelisks, pyramids, sphinxes and Egyptianized pediments and columns.