In the middle of winter, when dripping icicles from the eaves and the sun ever longer lingering each day suggest the approach of spring, we invite you to look upward at the edifice on Alberta Street 13 - the design of the building, designed by civil engineer Mikhail Eisenstein. A variety of motifs are woven into almost each one the countless decorative elements. This weekend walk would encourage both architectural and ancient myths to explore.
The map of the Route “The jewels of Riga Art Nouveau” >
1.Once Apartment House with Shops of Active State Councillor Andrey Lebedinsky The diversity of sculpted elements is surprising and their emotional expression – striking. Imposing heroes of antiquity stand side by side with huge female mascarons . The building stands on the plot of land located on the street corner and this determines its floor plan. The rooms are grouped along long, dark corridors. Considering the shape of the plot of land, each room is well lit, including bathroom and toilets. The corner tower gives some of the flats a round- shaped room which makes several of them particularly elegant and adds stability to the façade composition.
2.The central mask wearing a shining diadem represents freedom, the sun or victory. The sinuous lines and the arrangement of shapes in the corners of the composition are reminiscent of the lines of carriage spring. With them Mikhail Eisenstein seemingly intended to remind the viewer of his primary professional status as head of the Department of public traffic system of the Vidzeme provincial government.
3.The façade decoration also makes much use of the female image widely popular in Art Nouveau. It can be seen in full-figure presentations above the cornice of the attic, in various large and small masks, in busts above the main cornice and the glorified pathos of the inspirational reliefs that crown its corner piece, as well.
4.The relief on the right side depicts a man with the hooves of a horse, symbolizing on the devil or hell. The image of the devil and the woman –shepheredess portrayed in the left-hand relief is associated with the legend of Pan and Syrix.
