Henry Barbet de Jouy

Joseph-Henry Barbet de Jouy (16 July 1812, Canteleu – 26 May 1896, Paris) was a French archaeologist, art historian, and curator.

At this time, he also wrote several major studies; notably Description des sculptures modernes (1856), Mosaiques chrétiennes des basiliques et églises de Rome (1857), and Fontes du primatice, dans le jardin de l'Empereur aux Tuilleries (1860), which earned him the title of Knight in the Legion of Honor.

In 1871, during Bloody Week, the Communards set fire to the Palais-Royal and the Tuilleries, placing the Louvre in danger.

Jouy is considered a cultural hero in France for his efforts to save the Louvre, and an entrance to the museum has been named after him.

When peace had been restored, he was appointed Conservator for what is now known as the Réunion des Musées Nationaux (1871-1879) and, finally, Director of the Louvre (1879-1881).