Bernardino Drovetti was an Italian diplomat, lawyer, explorer and antiquarian, appointed by Napoleon as French consul to Egypt at a time when the country and its antiquities were being opened rapidly to European knowledge and acquisition. His methods were deplorable. If twenty albaster vases were found in a tomb, he would see to it that half were smashed to bring up their price. He would break off the pyramidion (top portion) off of an oblisk to make it easier to transport, etc. But statues of him were raised in his native Italy for services rendered in gathering together the magnificent works of Egyptian art and astonishingly beautiful papyri for Europe.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... o_Drovetti View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Explorers • Statesmen • Archaeology • Egypt • Industrial Revolution • Italy • Middle East • Politicians • Politics • People