Les châteaux historiques. Pierrefonds après la restauration de M. Viollet-le-Duc.

Large folio, 12 orig. albumen prints of various sizes, mounted on board (foxing and staining on boards).

Editor's half red shagreen (sl. rubbed), marbled paper on covers, gilt titled spine with 5 raised bands (head def.).

Beginning in 1872, Mieusement (1840-1905) photographed France's historic buildings, monuments and important architecture to create an encompassing documentation of architectural restoration projects. This rare album depicts the Castle of Pierrefonds, Napoleon III's favourite restoration project; he wanted to make it his imperial residence. Rather than basing his work on the strict history of the building, Viollet-le-Duc produced more a work of invention than restoration. Title in red & black.
ref. M. Nilsen, Architecture in Ninetheenth Century Photographs: Essays on reading a collection. p. 186.