Tag: Sunbursts

Art Deco sunbursts

Valentin Mandache
Art Deco sunbursts
Art Deco-like sunbursts in the summer of 2012, Grivita – Domenii area, Bucharest (©Valentin Mandache)

I am a great fan of the cheerful Art Deco panels that depict sunbursts, rainbows or southern seas themes. In that spirit I have put together a real sunburst photographed last summer in Grivita – Domenii area of the city, a quarter that is still preserving its inter-war charm when it was built up in large part in the Art Deco style, then much in vogue in Bucharest, and the emblem of an insurance company, ornament that dates from the Art Deco era, located in the town centre. Looking at the natural sunburst is easier to understand the message, optimism and confidence exuded by the Art Deco panels of Bucharest and the culture of that beautiful time in the history of architecture.

Art Deco sunbursts
Art Deco sunburst as part of the composition of an inter-war Romanian insurance company emblem, University area, Bucharest (©Valentin Mandache)

Cheerful Art Deco panel

Valentin Mandache
1930s floral and sun burst motifs Art Deco style panel, Popa Soare area, Bucharest (©Valentin Mandache)

I found that the elegant Art  Deco style panel, which I encountered a few days ago adorning the street corner façade of a house in one of the central quarters of Bucharest, had a quite cheering up effect on me in this cold and overcast April month. It reminds of the luxuriant climate of the Southern Seas with which the 1930s Bucharesters were so much fascinated. I like the play between its apparent symmetry, expressed by the bold central chevron, which probably symbolises the Sun or a mountainous landscape, balanced by a rhythmic asymmetry of short sunbursts, floral motifs and two peculiar little stars.

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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.