Year of construction: 1902 by Ernest Blérot, one of the most famous Art Nouveau architects

The description of this monument can be found in all Brussels art nouveau books. Facade built of white and blue stones. The main part of the construction is kept in original shape (e.g. window frames with simple vitrification). Among other characteristics the floor mosaic in the entrance hall is amazing.

In 1992 the building was renovated (lift, heating, electricity, sanitary, garden). In 2001 EADV bought the house.

 

Art Nouveau (1880 - 1910)

Centred in Western Europe, this decorative arts movement began as an opposition to the historical emphasis in mid-19th century art. The movement was established as the first new decorative style of the 20th century at the 1900 World’s Fair in Paris. Meaning New Art, Art Nouveau’s decorative style and dedication to natural forms was internationally popular from 1880 to 1910. The movement had basis in Romanticism and Symbolism. With its origin in London, the movement spread throughout Europe and the United States.

Characterized by detailed patterns and curving lines and the use of leaves, flowers, and vines. The ornamental and asymmetrical style was best displayed in the decorative arts such as furniture, jewellery, and book design and illustration.

The aim of Art Nouveau was to eliminate the distinction between the major and minor arts. They wished to unify all arts in order to settle on the theme of man’s place in life and the world. An attempt to create an international decorative style that was appropriate for the modern age, the movement straddled the fence between the past and future. Artists fused together elements of the new urban life with traditional spirituality, myth, and fantasy.