This elaborate and quite large scale mascaron embellishes a diminutive “Little Paris” style (what I call the French c19th historicist architectural styles provincially interpreted in Fin de Siècle Romania) Bucharest house. The size of the mascaron is more typical of that found above windows of larger commercial and public buildings, making a picturesque contrast with the domestic dimensions and surroundings of the house which it adorns. The mascaron represents a floral deity from the classical mythology, a theme which on the other hand is very much in tone with the lush gardens of the old Bucharest houses during the long torrid local summers.
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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.
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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 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 