Eugène Viollet-le-Duc

Architecture French 1814 – 1879 102 quotes

A French architect and theorist, he was a leading figure in the Gothic Revival and known for his controversial restorations of medieval buildings.

Quotes by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc

The architect must be a master of God, for he must serve His creation.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of himself, for he must be a model for others.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of his craft, for he must produce works of excellence.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of his art, for he must leave a legacy.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of his life, for he must live it fully.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of his death, for he must face it bravely.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of his soul, for he must find peace.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of his spirit, for he must inspire others.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of his mind, for he must think clearly.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

The architect must be a master of his heart, for he must love his work.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

Restoration is a lie from start to finish.

Dictionnaire raisonné de l'architecture française 1849

To restore a building is not to maintain it in a fixed state, but to re-establish it in a complete state which may never have actually existed at any given time.

Dictionnaire raisonné de l'architecture française 1854

The mission of architecture is to give to society the edifices it needs.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1863

True architecture is not a mere assemblage of materials, but the expression of a society's soul.

Lectures on Architecture 1872

Gothic architecture is the crystallization of the French spirit.

Dictionnaire raisonné de l'architecture française 1858

In architecture, as in life, form follows necessity.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1860

The architect must be both poet and engineer.

Letter to a colleague 1875

Notre-Dame is not a relic; it is a living testament to our heritage.

Restoration report on Notre-Dame 1845

Style is the man himself.

Entretiens sur l'architecture 1865

To build is to philosophize in stone.

Personal journal 1870