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 vivid colors and strong impression. Light age toning and faint spotting in margins, well away from the image.
Antique Print of Maison au Bord de la Mer by Hügelin Architecte, c.1900
Antique architectural print titled "Maison au Bord de la Mer," designed by Mr. Hügelin, Architecte. This richly detailed plate originates from *La Brique et La Terre Cuite* by Pierre Chabat, published in Paris around 1900. The series is among the most important references on the artistic and structural uses of brick and terracotta in 19th-century French architecture.
This plate presents the design of a seaside villa, blending decorative fantasy with architectural precision. The façade is characterized by an ornate gable crowned with sculptural flourishes and a central niche containing a figure. The upper level features finely shuttered windows and patterned brickwork, highlighted with symbolic motifs. Below, the arched windows are framed by intricate terracotta ornamentation and flanked by rounded conservatories with glass domes, giving the impression of both elegance and maritime leisure.
The accompanying floor plans—showing both the ground and first floors—reveal the careful planning of domestic life within such a villa. Reception areas, dining rooms, and private chambers are arranged with a strong emphasis on symmetry, comfort, and a connection to the surrounding seaside environment. The villa’s design exemplifies the Belle Époque fascination with ornate seaside residences, where architecture and decoration reflected both luxury and a celebration of leisure culture.
The architect Hügelin demonstrates through this project how modern construction could embrace both technical refinement and decorative exuberance, qualities highly valued in the late 19th century. Its inclusion in Chabat’s monumental folio underscores the importance of this type of villa as part of the broader architectural landscape of France at the turn of the century.
For collectors, this print is a striking example of architectural chromolithography, showcasing not only design but also artistic embellishment that makes it equally valuable as an artwork.
Condition report: Very good condition with vivid colors and strong impression. Light age toning and faint spotting in margins, well away from the image. Plate mark visible.
Framing tips: A gold or walnut frame paired with a cream or pale blue mat will highlight the ornate decorative details. For a more modern presentation, a simple black frame with a wide white mat will make the intricate architectural features stand out.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Pierre Chabat, France, c.1900
