The above doorway is an interesting hybrid of early Neo-Romanian style elements such as the broken arch and the rope motif lining up the arch, ethnographic solar discs at the base of the arch or lilac shape Greek cross niches above and on each side of the arch, together with Beaux Arts bits seen in the wrought iron ornamentation of the door, especially the house owner’s monogram surrounded by a laurel wreath, a classical motif quite alien to the early Neo-Romanian style, which had as its main sources of inspiration the Wallachian late medieval architecture (Brancovan) and also Balkan Ottoman patterns. The whole composition is a witness of a period when the Neo-Romanian style was at its beginnings, not yet fully imposed on the architectural scene of the country and gives an idea how it made inroads into the consecrated tastes of the public.
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I endeavour through this series of periodic 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 Contactpage of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 
Hello,
I am a reader from the US and just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog entries. I am a student at Grand Valley State, in Michigan, studying International Relations, German, and Central Eastern European history. I also write a blog and am now beginning to focus a bit on architectural history. Unfortunately, I am an “amateur’s Amateur” and do not have nearly the experience or knowledge you do, hence the reason I read your blog.
Regarding your recent post on the “1900’s Neo-Romanian” doorway, would it be possible for you to elaborate a bit on what the characteristics of “Neo-Romanian” are? And perhaps a bit more on Beaux-arts in Romania and how that style may differ from other country’s concepts of Beaux-arts?
Incidentally, I am planning on making a trip to Romania later this year at the end of the semester and hope to accompany you on one of your field trips (if you do them in the winter that is!).
Cordially,
Shawn Wooster
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Hello, many thanks for your interest in my writings and nice words about my blog! I look forward to seeing you at one of my future architectural excursions- just watch the blog or the Facebook page for announcements when and where they will take place. For details about the Neo-Romanian style you can find them among the many blog articles on that subject posted in the last three years. There is a very popular article, which I need to update, which would give you basic clues about the style: https://historo.wordpress.com/2008/12/14/the-neo-romanian-architectural-style-a-brief-guide-on-its-origins-and-features/ As regards the Beaux Arts, there are many available sources on your hand on the internet or paper books. There is nothing written about how that style was interpreted in Romania, my articles again are the main reference in that aspect. For a couple of interesting local Beaux Arts buildings see these links: https://historo.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/griffins-house-oil-wealth-and-beauz/ and https://historo.wordpress.com/2010/10/07/targoviste-town-hall/
I hope that the above details answer some of your questions.
Best wishes,
Valentin Mandache
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