[1] He became a professor of history in Paris in 1826, and devoted his leisure hours to following courses of law, medicine, etc.

After visiting and examining the principal churches, first of Normandy, then of central and southern France, he was on his return in 1835 appointed by Guizot secretary to the Historical Committee of Arts and Monuments; and in the following years he delivered several courses of lectures on Christian iconography at the Bibliothèque Royale.

In 1844, he originated the Annales archéologiques, a periodical devoted to his favorite subject, which he edited until his death.

In 1845 he established at Paris a special archaeological press, and at the same time a stained glass factory.

Among his other works may be mentioned the introduction and comments to Manuel d'iconographie chrétienne grecque et latine (by Dionysios of Fourna, translated by Paul Durand), published in 1845, the Iconographie des chapiteaux du palais ducal de Venise of 1857, and the Manuel des objets de bronze et d'orfèvrerie, published in 1859.