The theme of the above splendid decorative panel, which I photographed during the recent snowfalls, is that of the biblical griffin(s) guarding the Garden of Eden. It is a recurrent theme in medieval church architecture and decoration, especially in its Byzantine branch. It is also one of the favourite decorative themes of the Neo-Romanian architectural style, together with that of the peacock. The specific Romanian element in the panel here is the Garden of Eden is represented as a vine plant endowed with rich clusters of grapes, a metaphor of Romania as a land of plenty (seen as an earthly Garden of Eden), where the vine grape is an over-abundant fruit and also one of the country’s main agricultural crops.
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I endeavor through this daily image series to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural heritage.
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If you plan acquiring a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in locating the property, specialist research, planning permissions, restoration project management, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 