Destruction of Cultural Heritage in 19th-Century France: Old Stones versus Modern Identities by Michael Greenhalgh

Nineteenth-century France's rapid modernization led to the near-total eradication of its ancient architectural heritage, including Gallo-Roman structures, due to irreconcilable conflicts between preservation and development. Michael Greenhalgh's study reveals that despite the establishment of archaeological societies and efforts by figures like Prosper Mérimée, the period saw widespread destruction of monuments, with only a few exceptions like Nîmes' Maison Carrée surviving. The work challenges the notion that the 19th century valued historical preservation, highlighting how restoration projects often imposed modern interpretations over original ruins. Greenhalgh's analysis, supported by annotated illustrations and French quotations, underscores the irreversible loss of France's cultural heritage during this era.

Strange, A. J. (2017). Destruction of Cultural Heritage in 19th-Century France: Old Stones versus Modern Identities by Michael Greenhalgh. The French Review, 91(1), 247–248. https://doi.org/10.1353/tfr.2017.0447