Architect and theorist Eugene-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc (1814–79), a prominent leader in the French Gothic Revival, was active in the restoration of medieval buildings. In 1845 he undertook one of the greatest projects in the history of restoration: the cleansing and restoration of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris. For the next twenty-three years he labored at his task, returning the cathedral to its original beauty and charm.
This volume is based on a faithful reproduction of the restored mural paintings of the chapels, notable for their originality of design and the soft and subtle harmony of their coloring. The 60 full-page plates lend themselves to numerous graphic arts applications.