An Egyptological Stroll Through Paris
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| Infos : | 160 pages |
The Destinies of Mummies and Other Surprising Tales
The rise of Egyptology in the 19th century sparked a genuine wave of Egyptomania, leaving its mark on everyday objects, museum collections, and the very streets of Paris. As a major center of this burgeoning field, Paris became adorned with architectural and decorative elements inspired by this fascination. Landmarks such as the Obelisk at Place de la Concorde, the Passage du Caire, and the Galerie Vivienne are enduring witnesses to an enthusiasm that began with Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign (1798–1801). However, what remains visible today often hides a more problematic history, marked by mistakes, amateur practices, and even outright scams. Many of the artifacts brought back from Egypt were mishandled, poorly displayed, damaged, or even lost: this was especially true for many mummies.
Combining historical narrative with poetic insight, Angela Stienne—an Egyptologist and specialist in mummies—uncovers forgotten stories that linger on the streets of Paris. This Egyptological stroll leads readers through the galleries of the Louvre, across Place de la Concorde, into Père-Lachaise Cemetery, past the iconic façade of the Louxor cinema, and out to the Château de Rueil-Malmaison, once home to Joséphine. Drawing on largely unknown anecdotes, she revisits the adventure of Egyptology and its prominent figures, while also exploring how the bodies of the ancient dead were handled and perceived. Lavishly illustrated, with materials drawn from long-forgotten archives, this book offers a unique journey into the worlds of Egyptology and Parisian Egyptomania. It also takes a distinctly engaged stance, advocating for stronger ethical standards in our museums and collections.
All those interested in ancient Egypt, Egyptology, Egyptomania enthusiasts and those seeking themed walking tours in Paris.
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