Viollet-le-Duc e il “restauro” del Monte Bianco

The essay, a synthesis of the Ph.D. thesis of the author, examines thestudy of Viollet-le-Duc on Mont Blanc, starting from the analysis ofhis book Le massif du Mont Blanc. The translation of the book, thestudy of text and illustrations, on which the research is based, wasthe occasion to verify some key topics on the theoretical and designactivity of the French architect: observation as a tool of knowledgeand drawing as verification, communication and validation of an idea.In general, the study also investigates the interest of Viollet-le-Duc innatural phenomena, in particular the attraction for mountains, whichis documented by many, little-known writings, drawings and surveys.It also opens up new, fruitful reflections on the usefulness of drawing,iconographic restitution, protection and restoration of landscape.Finally, the essay underlines the unity of method in Viollet-le-Duc’sstudies. He was convinced that the earth is a great building in whicheach part has a role. For this reason, he had the same approach bothfor the study of deformations of the earth’s crust and the analyses ofmedieval constructive techniques