The image above is a processed photograph (gradient map using reverse copper filter) of a 1920s Neo-Romanian style house from the town of Targoviste in southern Romania. The architectural outlines of this impressive building are excellently evidenced by the dramatic contrasts. The conversion brings to the fore the essence of that edifice, its underlying “fundamental equation”, making it intelligible to those who try to understand its style and aesthetic intricacies. It is also a helpful tool for those contemporary architects in Romania that have clients requiring Neo-Romanian style designs. The skill of creating compositions in historical styles is practically absent/ long forgotten among many of the local architects, graduates of institutions that have became, since the last decades of the communist regime, something resembling glorified civil engineering universities rather that proper architectural schools. I like the Art Nouveau feel exuded by this processed image, which makes obvious through its strong outlines the filiation of the Neo-Romanian style from the Fin de Siècle national romantic architectural movements developed within the then pan-European Art Nouveau current.
***********************************************
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 