The spire of Notre Dame was rebuilt in 1859-60, following a twenty-year restoration campaign by the architect Viollet-le-Duc. The 13th century bell tower had been demolished in 1786 as it was on the point of collapse.

Marville photographed the new spire circa 1861, facing north-east. This albumen print is a later version from the end of the 1870s. The fact that the photograph was taken from above emphasises the elevation of the wood and lead structure. The spire is firmly in the foreground, in the centre of image, and dominates the Paris landscape in a striking, precipitous view. The spire is the focus of the photograph and appears to represent the spirit and identity of Paris and of France.

Marville was involved in the major restoration projects carried out during this period. As symbols of national history, Middle Age buildings were the preferred focus of restorers at that time. Marville used the resources made available by photography, which was an essential tool in describing and making an inventory of French heritage. This new medium made it possible to capture the different stages of a monument - before, during and after restoration. Photographs were consequently part of the process of enhancing the national heritage. His work on monumental architecture brings to mind the Mission Héliographique launched in 1851, a mission he was not invited to join.

Official photograph of the Imperial Museum of the Louvre and the City of Paris under Napoleon III; he is best known for his images of the capital before the major urban renovation carried out by Haussmann.