France · 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. Light marginal toning consistent with age. Plate mark visible. No significant blemishes.
Antique French Architectural Print Villa Marguerite à Houlgate by Chabat c.1900
This antique architectural print, titled Villa Marguerite à Houlgate, presents a lateral elevation and detailed floor plans of a grand seaside villa in Normandy, designed by architect E.M. Auburtin. The plate (Pl. XXIV, 2e Série) originates from Pierre Chabat’s celebrated series La Brique et la Terre Cuite (The Brick and Terracotta), published in the late 19th century to around 1900.
The lithograph depicts a richly ornamented side elevation of the villa, showcasing polychrome brickwork, decorative terracotta panels, and tall windows arranged symmetrically around a central gabled bay. The detailed floor plans beneath the elevation reveal the spatial organization of the house, with labeled rooms including vestibule, dining room, salon, office, bedrooms, toilettes, and service areas such as the stables (écurie), laundry (lingerie), and carriage house (remise). A plan of the grounds is also included, highlighting the villa’s placement within its landscaped gardens and service courtyard.
E.M. Auburtin was known for his refined seaside architecture in Normandy, a region that flourished during the Belle Époque as a fashionable retreat. Pierre Chabat (1827–1892), a French architect and professor, created La Brique et la Terre Cuite to highlight the decorative and structural potential of brick and terracotta, blending technical precision with artistic presentation. This plate exemplifies the union of elegance and practicality in late 19th-century villa design.
This print appeals to collectors of French architecture, Belle Époque design, and decorative arts. It pairs especially well with Plates XXV and XXVI of the same villa, which present the façade and interior section, together forming a complete architectural portrait of Villa Marguerite.
Condition report: Very good condition with bright colors and strong impression. Light marginal toning consistent with age. Plate mark visible. No significant blemishes.
Framing tips: Best displayed in a classic walnut or gilt frame with a wide cream mat to emphasize the architectural details. A thin red or terracotta liner can enhance the polychrome brick patterns and decorative friezes.
Technique: Lithograph
Maker: Pierre Chabat, after designs by E.M. Auburtin, France, c.1900
