Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Hector Guimard - art nouveau




The graceful curves of this wrought iron and glass awning are typical of art nouveau detail.
The pattern on the stones resembling coral are called "vermiculation" as it mimics the trail of worms in soft soil.  This is one form of an architectural technique known as "rustication" which has been in use at least since the rennaissance period.  You may have noticed this same pattern on the Louvre palace and Haussmannian buildings around Paris.


This elegant home which sits inside the gates of Parc de Monceau has a stunning main entrance in the courtyard.  This is just the "back door."



5, ave Van Dyck
75008, Paris

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24 comments:

  1. Rob-bearJune 6, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    Well, if this is the "trades entrance," the front door must be amazing.

    Thanks for the explanation too, Genie.

    Blessings and Bear hugs.

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  2. ConnieJune 6, 2012 at 4:27 AM

    I haven't been here in a while, so I have been on a little stroll through some of your recent posts. I love how you capture, not just the city, but the people, too. I adore the photo of the little girl on the park bench wearing red shoes. Thank you for sharing your adventures in France. In a small way you are making me the world traveler I always wished to be. Connie :)

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  3. Jane and Lance HattattJune 6, 2012 at 4:57 AM

    Hello Genie:
    Wonderful detail. For once we really feel Budapest can equal what Paris has to offer as such Art Nouveau architecture abounds in plenty here.

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  4. JoeJune 6, 2012 at 5:55 AM

    If thats the back door the front door must be magnifique!

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  5. s.cJune 6, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    Thanks for the explanation.It is always nice to see an art deco detail.

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  6. namakiJune 6, 2012 at 6:44 AM

    yes and thank you for the explanation ... I have always loved "l'art nouveau".
    I like the color of the sunlight too !

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  7. JeanneJune 6, 2012 at 7:01 AM

    I love seeking out the Hector Guimard-art nouveau, especially in the 16th arrondisement. Thanks Genie, some pictures bring such good memories of walking the streets of Paris and this is one of them:-)

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  8. JanaJune 6, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    You can't leave us hanging like that....Now I want to see the front door. This is really a unique entrance, I have not seen anything like it in my part of the country. Very nice.

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  9. VirginiaJune 6, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    Parc Monceau and the surrounding neighborhood is eye candy for sure. I was lucky enough to be invited inside a friend's apt. just down the street. Trés belle!
    V

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  10. sillygirlJune 6, 2012 at 11:06 AM

    On my first trip around France I noticed the shell-like white opaque coverings over doors and told my husband about them - just loved them. Finally on another trip with him I saw a large one in Chinon - beautiful! Now I know I can see them in Paris, too.

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  11. AnonymousJune 6, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    Beautiful! I love the angle you shot this from. I can't even imagine living in such a gorgeous house! If this is the back I can only imagine what the front looks like!

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  12. JudyMacJune 6, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    Can't wait to see this! :-)

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  13. Rob SiemannJune 6, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    He did the old-style metro entrances as well, and I've always seen many similarities with our local Antonio Gaudi, here. The timeframe was the same. I vaguely remember a synagogue as well, somewhere in the Marais.

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  14. Janey and Co.June 6, 2012 at 3:11 PM

    Beautiful detail!

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  15. martinealisonJune 6, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Une très belle entrée... Je dirais même qu'elle est splendide.
    A cette époque nous avons crée des chefs-d'oeuvre. J'aime vos précisions.
    Gros bisous

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  16. HarrietJune 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM

    What a great find! I do hope that you will show us the front door!

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  17. Ken MacJune 6, 2012 at 7:43 PM

    so happy I've found your blog

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  18. StarmanJune 6, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    I like the way the sun makes it appear to have gold on the doorway

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  19. RandyJune 6, 2012 at 11:20 PM

    Wonderful design.

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  20. AlexaJune 7, 2012 at 12:23 AM

    Beautiful building—and it reminds me of vermiculture (raising earthworms for the garden)—hmmm, this just got a lot less elegant somehow. :~}

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  21. Genie -- Paris and BeyondJune 7, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    Rob and Mandy, yes, I think that Gaudi designs are closely related to Guimard's. Many of Guimard's buildings were torn down which I think is quite sad.

    This residence is enormous and I do not remember if there was a gate (locked gate, I mean). I do not have photos of the front door so I do not think it was accessible. Hummmm....

    The shell-shaped awnings are seen in abundance in Paris, some old originals and others new.

    Starman, I am glad that you noticed the light. I thought it looked almost like gold.

    Jane and Lance, now you have tempted me even more to see Budapest!

    Bises,
    Genie

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  22. MaryJune 7, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    What a backyard it is! Exquisite.

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  23. TheChieftessJune 10, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    Wow!!! I'd like a front entrance this elegant!!!

    "Vermiculture?" Really??? The things you learn about blogging!!!

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  24. Genie -- Paris and BeyondJune 10, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    Sillygirl and Jeanne, thank you for your comments. If you ever want to contact me directly, you can send me an email.

    Bises,
    Genie

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Merci for your comments!