The Neo-Romanian style lamps are a rarity, so you can imagine my joy in finding the one presented in the photograph above. It adorns the entrance of Ion IC Bratianu’s memorial house in Amzei Square, Bucharest, an edifice built in 1908 and designed by the architect Petre Antonescu, one of the most prolific and imaginative architects of the Neo-Romanian current. I was able to identify only a handful such artefacts so far, see the example here, which is incidentally designed by the same architect. I believe the object has been designed at the same time as the house, and is not a later addition. I like its “oriental” appearance, reminding of lamps manufactured in the Islamic Mediterranean world. The Neo-Romanian motifs are the rope motif abstraction noticeable in the zigzag line decorating its frame, together with the solar disc on the lamp bottom, similar in aspect with medallions that decorate the frieze of many neo-Romanian houses.
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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 