Europe as a Whole · 19th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Very good condition with bright colors and strong impression. Minor toning and faint foxing in the wide margins, not affecting the image. Plate mark visible.
Antique Print of Villa Brodu, Beuzeval (Calvados) by Baumier, c.1900
Antique architectural print titled "Villa Brodu, Beuzeval (Calvados)," designed by architect Mr. Baumier. This plate originates from *La Brique et La Terre Cuite* by Pierre Chabat, published in Paris around 1900, a renowned portfolio documenting the expressive use of brick and terracotta in French architecture.
The print presents the richly detailed façade of Villa Brodu, a striking example of late 19th-century villa architecture in the Calvados region of Normandy. The elevation drawing shows its steeply pitched roofs, ornate chimneys, turreted forms, and patterned brickwork in diamond motifs, embodying the eclecticism of the period. A delicate external staircase, elegant balconies, and decorative terracotta reliefs further highlight the villa’s refined character.
Below the façade are architectural plans for the basement (sous-sol), ground floor (rez-de-chaussée), and first floor (1er étage). These reveal the villa’s well-planned interiors, including cellars, service rooms, salon, dining room, study, vestibule, and upper chambers with private dressing areas. Such details made Chabat’s work an essential reference for architects and decorators of the Belle Époque.
Beuzeval, today part of Houlgate in Normandy, was a fashionable seaside resort at the time, attracting wealthy Parisians who commissioned ornate villas along the coast. Villa Brodu reflects the era’s blend of regional style and architectural innovation, making this print an evocative historical document as well as a decorative artwork.
Condition report: Very good condition with bright colors and strong impression. Minor toning and faint foxing in the wide margins, not affecting the image. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: Best presented in a walnut or dark wood frame with a cream or light beige mat to complement the brick tones. For a more dramatic effect, a charcoal mat with gilt-lined frame will highlight the ornate detailing.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Pierre Chabat, France, c.1900
