Preservation of historical monuments in France after the Revolution and throughout the 19th century: a decisive period for theoretical elaboration

Abstract

The paper deals with the preservation of historical monuments in France in the period following the French Revolution, and throughout the 19th century. The reaction against the revolutionary "vandalism", which threatened a significant part of the countrys cultural heritage with destruction, resulted in incipient official measures regarding the conservation of historical monuments. In the course of the 19th century, several kinds of experimental restoration works were conducted in order to face such problem. As a consequence, steps were taken in France towards establishing restoration as a disciplinary field, formulating more consistent theoretical rules to guide the interventions, establishing and consolidating the praxis of restoration, organizing professional corps dedicated to this area, creating laws to regulate the protection of historic buildings, and establishing public services specifically dedicated to such purpose. The fruitful French experience in that period laid significant foundations to establish restoration as it is presently understood.