The “G” letter inscribed on the column capital in the photograph above is very intriguing as it may be a masonic symbol representing the masonic gnosis in the form of the letter G shaped as a fragmented square, or it could be the more prosaic possibility that the letter is the monogram of the house owner. My inclination is toward the masonic connection as many among the Romanian elite of the era when the house was built were freemasons and some lived in the upmarket Cotroceni quarter. I documented a few weeks ago another architectural rendering of a masonic symbol discovered in this area, click here to access the article.
***********************************************
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 history and 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 