Viollet-le-Duc's work on the medieval city of Carcassonne. 1857.

Eugène VIOLLET-LE-DUC (1814.1879)

Autographed letter signed.

One and a half pages in-12°.

Recipient's note at the top:

"Submitted 4 drawings. Narbonne Gate. December 16, 1857."

Beautiful letter from the French architect finalizing his publication on the City of Carcassonne which accompanies his restoration work on the medieval city.

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"My dear Master, I have finished my text on Carcassonne … I have compiled the plates; there are 29 in total. Before going any further, and to get our affairs in order, I would be grateful if you would send me all the drawings you have, including those of the city, so that I can finalize these plates, arrange them, and make them consistent with the text. This is absolutely necessary to avoid any mess. With my most devoted regards."

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The scholar Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille saved the Cité de Carcassonne from destruction and, in 1840, secured the protection of the former Saint-Nazaire Cathedral as a Historical Monument. At the instigation of his friend Prosper Mérimée, Viollet-le-Duc was quickly commissioned. The architect, wishing to restore unity to the whole, chose the century of Saint Louis as his reference point. From 1855 onwards, work began on the ramparts, with budgets allocated to consolidation, roofing the towers, and reinforcing sections of wall that threatened to collapse. "I am not aware," Viollet-le-Duc remarked shortly before his death, "that anywhere in Europe there exists such a complete and formidable defensive system from the 6th, 12th, and 13th centuries, such an interesting subject of study, and such a picturesque setting." All those who cherish our ancient monuments, who love and know the history of our country, wish to see this restoration completed, and already, in the South, the City of Carcassonne, scarcely visited in the past, has become the stopping point for all travelers.” (Ref. City of Carcassonne).

City of Carcassonne – Aude. was published in 1858 by Gide publisher.