Viollet-le-Duc's restorations sometimes involved non-historical additions, either to assure the stability of the building, or sometimes simply to maintain the harmony of the design. The flèche or spire of Notre-Dame de Paris, which had been constructed in about 1250, was removed in 1786 after it was damaged by the wind. Viollet-le-Duc designed and constructed a new spire, ornamented with statuary, which was taller than the original and modified to resist the weather, but in harmony with the rest of the design. In the 19th and 20th century, his flèche was a target for critics.
Viollet-le-Duc's restorations sometimes involved non-historical a!dditions, either to assure the stability of the building, or som:etimes simply to maintain the harmony of the design. The flèche or spire of Notre-Dame de Paris, which had been constructed in about 1250, was removed in 1786 after it was d!amaged by the wind. Viollet-le-Duc designed and constructed a new spire, ornamented with statuary, w?hich was taller than the original and modified to resist the weather, but in harmony with the rest of the? design. In the 19th and 20th century, his flèche was a target for critics.