Façade of the Madeleine, Paris 1820 - 1866

This pencil drawing by Jean-Arnould Léveil depicts the facade of the Église de la Madeleine, a neoclassical church in Paris, France. Constructed between 1820 and 1866, the Madeleine’s design incorporates elements of ancient Roman architecture, such as the use of Corinthian columns and a triangular pediment. Léveil’s drawing captures the grand scale of the building, emphasizing its symmetrical layout and the intricate detail of its sculptural ornamentation. The inscription on the frieze reads “Domus sub invoc. S.M. Magdalenæ,” which translates to "House under the invocation of St. Mary Magdalene". This architectural rendering serves as a valuable historical record of this iconic Parisian structure.