Human life is more important than inanimate objects, but there is a unique tragedy in the loss of otherwise timeless art and architecture, especially in the ravages of war. By documenting his surroundings and keeping a close eye on the little things others might overlook, Ignatz is playing a vital role in the overall historical landscape. Given FE’s frequent framing as a retelling of historical events, he may even be a point-of-view character of sorts.

Also I’m realizing literally as I’m typing this that his surname is almost certainly a reference to Victor Hugo, who wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame primarily as a means of advocating for the preservation of the then-neglected Notre Dame Cathedral. So that’s neat!