Halt of the French army at Syene (Upper Egypt) on 2 February 1799

After the Battle of the Pyramids, Desaix was charged with pursuing the Mamluks (commanded by Mourad Bey) into Upper Egypt. Thirty 'savants' and artists accompanied his detachment, amongst whom were Denon, Girard, Villiers-du-Terrage, Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Jomard, Jollois, Malus, Dutertre. This painting by Tardieu shows the army at rest after the victory over Mourad Bey on 1 February 1799. A hussar carves on the ruins in the centre of the composition: “Route de Paris à Syène : 1 167 milles” (Road from Paris to Syene: 1,167 miles).