The Neo-Romanian style doorway assembly in the photograph above is very interesting in the sense that it displays decorative motifs typical of the 1910s Bucharest architectural fashions, just before the start of the Great War. The main Neo-Romanian features are the Ottoman type broken arch moulding that acts as a pediment and the gridiron of the door windows, also inspired form Ottoman Balkan motifs. The door itself also contains Little Paris style decorations like the wood carved details on the lower level panels, or the central beam motifs, etc. The architectural syncretism between the Neo-Romanian and the Little Paris styles, was in many aspects a characteristic of that decade, preceding the triumph of the former and the obliteration of the later style after the Great War.
***********************************************
I endeavor through this series of daily articles to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural heritage.
***********************************************
If you plan acquiring a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in sourcing 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 