Above is a good example of Neo-Romanian style triptych motif set of windows from the mature phase of development of Romania’s national style, which took place between 1906 (the year of the Great Royal National Exhibition when the style was made known to the larger public) and the late 1920s (when the Neo-Romanian style reached a crisis of expression generated among others by the increased popularity of the international Art Deco and Modernist architecture). I like the broken arch embellishing the central window, an echo of the late medieval Brancovan church architecture, which in its turn is inspired from the Islamic Ottoman architecture of the Balkans of that era. The pediment is decorated with vine leaves and grapes springing up from two plant pots, symbolising abundance in paradise, a metaphor for the prosperity and peace of the family inhabiting that house.
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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 Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 