The 'philosopher-warrior': Desaix, the Egyptian Institute and the Cairo Commission for Science and the Arts

Desaix's place in the intellectual history of the Egyptian expedition comes second to his military role. Although a member of the Cairo Institute, he took no part in their proceedings. Interested in antiquities in Upper Egypt as he was in art while in Italy, he sent no observations to the Institute, unlike many other generals and administrators. His effective role was conf ined to protecting the members of the Commission for Science and the Arts w ho visited the provinces under his control. They were grateful for this. In return, to the heroic image of a virtuous republican general fallen on the field of honour, they added that of a 'philosopher-warrior' intent on 'civ ilizing' his conquest. Thus portrayed, the good governance of Desaix transf ormed the Said, the ancient provinces of Thebes, into an idyllic land where the utopian dream that Menou vainly tried to impose on Egypt came true.