Charles Lenormant

Charles Lenormant (1 June 1802, in Paris – 22 November 1859, in Athens) was a French archaeologist.

After pursuing his studies at the Lycée Charlemagne and the Lycée Napoléon, he took up law, but a visit to Italy and Sicily (1822–23) made him an enthusiastic archaeologist. In 1825 he was named sub-inspector of fine arts and a few months later married Amelia Syvoct, niece and adopted daughter of the celebrated Mme Récamier. He visited Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and accompanied Champollion to Egypt, where he devoted himself to the study of architectural works.

Later he travelled through Greece as assistant director of the archaeological department of the Morea scientific commission. On his return he was appointed curator of the works of art in the Royal Library. Although the chair was that of modern history, he lectured chiefly on ancient history, particularly the origins of Greek civilization. In 1836 he was appointed curator of printed books in the Royal Library, and in 1839 was elected a member of the Academy. In 1840 he was made curator of the Cabinet of Medals.

François Guizot, who became minister of foreign affairs in 1841, sent Lenormant on a mission to Greece. On returning from this second visit to the East, Lenormant continued his lectures at the Sorbonne, making a particular study of Christian civilization in its sources. This study made him a true Christian, and from that time his lectures bore the impression of his deep Catholic belief. He gave voice to his convictions in his Questions historiques (Paris 1845), in his work on the Associations religieuses dans la société chrétienne (Paris 1866), and in many articles in the French Catholic review Correspondant. His writings greatly influenced the much-discussed question of freedom of teaching (liberté d'enseignement).

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