"Paris Architectural Detailing" is a pictorial guide illustrating the features and detailing that capture Paris' architectural legacy, particularly during the 19th century. The postmodern architecture of the second half of the century was exemplified during two great Exposition Universelle shows staged during 1889 and 1900 showcasing a variety of distinctive Parisian architectural styles. Amongst the most prominent included the designs of Napoleon III, the Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau styles. Shortly following the turn of the new century, Art Deco was introduced.
This photographic survey captures the distinctive detailing and ornamentation adorning building exteriors that became essential components of the overall design theme. These remaining traces are often in the form of sculptural gems and aesthetic masonry. The images transport you along the rooftops and roadways of the city spotlighting portals, metal railings, windowsills, gargoyle spouts, fountains and numerous unconventional surprises. The collection is a juncture where ancient merges with the contemporary.
Paris features few reminders of the ancient settlement of Lutetia formed by a Celtic tribe known as the Parisii in the 3rd century BC. The Romans captured the community in 52 BC and converted it into a Gallo-Roman garrison. The community was rebuilt in the 1st century AD employing a traditional Roman style layout. The core of the settlement was the Ile de la Cite, the current location of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palais de Justice. Subsequently, the city would maintain few examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The most prominent samplings are found with ancient churches.
The most pronounced influence of historic Paris is the enormous public works, redevelopment and traffic restructuring during the reign of King Napoleon III beginning in June 1853. George-Eugene Haussmann was prefect of the Seine Department and given the mission of establishing a less congested, healthier and grander scale urban center. Haussmann hired tens of thousands of workers to improve the traffic circulation, interconnect landmark buildings, and upgrade the sanitation and water supply.
The changes involved clearing hundreds of ancient buildings and constructing eighty kilometers of new avenues. Approximately 350.000 people were displaced. The entire public works expense lasted seventeen years before Haussmann's dismissal and the collapse of Napoleon III's regime due to the catastrophic war with Prussia.
The reconstruction project elevated Paris into one of the most beautiful European cities. The architectural detailing captured is a reminder that classic design never ultimately goes out of fashion.
