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This pair of pyramids is one of the first manifestations of the fascination with ancient Egypt or “Egyptomania” that developed in the early 1770s. The bases of the obelisks bear an inscription to the glory and grandeur of an admired civilisation: “With blocks of stone raised to the heavens, Egypt announced its power to the Universe. This simpler and less ambitious monument cements friendship by recognition / ex dono de Sartine 1773.”