Bellow is presented an early 1920s Neo-Romanian style gateway designed in the “citadel” variety of this order. Its impressive aspect is given by the heavy brick and mortar fabric, austere decorative arches and a severe looking metal door imagined as the “harrow gate” (portcullis) of a medieval fortress. During its heydays, in the inter-war period, the structure provided the visual focus for the entire house it embellishes. Today, by contrast, the gateway is in a decrepit state and nearly invisible to the passers by, as can be ascertained from the first photograph after the text. In order to better convey to the readers its former glory and impressiveness, I posted another two processed images of this structure (see bellow)- an inverse colour and gradient green filter photograph and a posterised image with a sunburst at its centre, which somehow bring from “beyond the grave”, in the manner of a ground radar, the features and message that the architect intended for this gateway.
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I endeavour through this daily series of 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 or selling a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in sourcing and transacting the property, specialist research, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 