'Egypt Unveiled' exhibition on view at Firestone

Princeton University

"Egypt Unveiled: The Mission of Napoleon's Savants," an exhibition marking the 200th anniversary of a seminal publication of Egyptian history, will be on view from Dec. 21 through May 10 in the main gallery of Firestone Library.

During Napoleon Bonaparte's 1798 military campaign in Egypt, a group of 151 scientists, engineers and artists was recruited to document every aspect of the country. The resulting publication of "Description de l'Égypte" between 1809 and 1822 -- comprising 23 volumes and 837 engraved plates -- is considered an extraordinary scholarly achievement and a foundational work of modern Egyptology.

The scholars examined a range of subjects including the great temples and tombs of ancient Egypt, contemporary customs and trades, animals, plants, minerals and local topography. The exhibition shares the highlights of this project and the stories and accomplishments of Napoleon's scholars.

Exhibition hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For holiday hours, call (609) 258-3184 or visit the library's website.