· · · ·· ···VII Arrondissement

This building is considered the masterpiece of Lavirotte. I apologise for the shadow of this annoying tree, but you know, it was summer, and shadows do happen. I’m afraid you can only imagine the richness and grace of the decoration, as usually very heavy but also very voluptuous. Every inch of the facade is tiled with ceramic by Alexandre Bigot (the same who tiled Hotel Ceramic).

The imposing front door, much nicer of the one seen in Square Rapp, 3 made scandal. It is crowned by a woman’s head (the story goes this was Lavirotte’s wife) and Adam and Eve, naked, banned from Eden. The door itself is a real explosion of wood and iron working, with a very organic touch, typical of Lavirotte.

Now.. thanx to Thierry, I can just add another big scandal on the front door. Look for a giant, upside down penis.. so the aforementioned "very organic touch" gets a whole new meaning..

Parigi Art Nouveau is a