Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879) was an influential French architect, particularly noted for his central role in the Gothic Revival* movement. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, he carried out a number of significant restoration projects on prominent buildings, including Notre Dame.
In addition to his practical work, Viollet-le-Duc taught art history at L'École des Beaux-Arts and published several renowned works that had considerable impact on the Art Nouveau movement by inspiring Gaudi and Horta, among others.
Chief among his writings were 'Dictionnaire Raisonné de L’Architecture' (Dictionary of Architecture), from 1854, and the wider ranging series, from which the above images were taken, 'Dictionnaire Raisonné du Mobilier Français de L'Époque Carlovingienne à la Renaissance' (Dictionary of French Furniture from the Carolingian era to the Renaissance).
The furniture series - which obviously goes far beyond furniture - consisted of 12 volumes and its publication began in 1858. The first six volumes are available online. The first two volumes feature domestic and religious tools and furniture as well as ornamental motifs in building and objets d'art. Volumes II + III are approximately devoted to costumes. The last two books relate to armour and weapons, essentially.
The illustrations are more along the lines of technical drawings rather than artistic pieces, per se; but it's definitely worth skimming through them all. There is some interesting and quirky material depicted. I imagine this series would be a useful authority for clothing and decor accuracy in period illustration work, re-enactments, craft or dressmaking and the like.
The series is online at the University of Heidelberg: Volume I «» Volume II «» Volume III «» Volume IV «» Volume V «» Volume VI.
(note: click anything below 'Inhalt' and then the '-' sign at the top of the page to get thumbnail images)
Information about Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc: one, two, three, four.
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