Mihails Eizenšteins (1867—1921), pure ecstatic Art Nouveau

 Artist

Mihails (Mikhail) Eizenšteins (1867—1921)

 Co-Worker

 Year 

1867—1921 in Riga, Latvia

 Location/Map

 Style

Eisenstein took inspiration from Paris 1900 World Exhibition, and this interest is reflected in his style.  Lazdiņa House in Elizabeth Street 33 facade  is the first Eisenstein design making use of a particularly rich sculptural elements. In 1903  projects he began the construction of the house in Albert Street 8 (owner A. Pole). In the same year started facade in Iljaševa / von Hanovskas rental house and shop 10a Elizabeth Street, as well as rent and store house of Elizabeth Street, 10b, whose owner was a high-ranking Russian government official. In the following two years Eisenstein designed the three buildings at Alberta: Alberta Street 6 Albert Street 13 (both – 1904) and Albert Street 4 (1905). In 1905 designed Mitusova S. School Street Riflemen 4a, as well as P.Šteinberga House .

Eisenstein façades have a rich, powerful sculptural use of the plastic compositions, the direct result of Historicism buildings typical facade decor with emphasis on the principles of geometrical one. Decor widely used characteristic motifs of Art Nouveau style, as well as those who inherit from Historicism and heraldry (for example, griffin, lions, dragons, etc.), thereby producing an impressive look. Plastically, the rich ornament motives creates strong light typify contrasts, the contrast principle is also dominant in the treatment of same theme, focusing on naturalistic or stylized powerful solution. Facades also used typical Art Nouveau decoration of glazed brick and plastered surfaces , in some cases, focusing on the unusual window shape solution (as in Elizabeth Street 10a.

Eisenstein building decor consists of anthropomorphic nature of the theme expressive decor, or – conversely – the static solution, as well as the ability to create emotionally impacting decorations, combining  zoomorphic motive and fantastic elements, balancing between the beautiful and terrible.

Eisenstein facade decor theme was inspired by the work of O. Wagner School, as well from the decorative ideas taken from Historicism of Vienna and Paris II Empire style buildings.  The somewhat eclectic style of citations (mannerism grotesque ornament, ancient Greek, ancient Oriental civilization, etc. themes), as well as contemporary sources (Rene Lalika jewelery, Otto Morning architectural fantasies, etc.). he also revitalized the use of castle aesthetic, with a taste of neogothic revival (J. Lazdiņa House Elizabeth Street 33, A.Ļebedinska tenements Alberta Street 6 and 13), complementing the decor of the then modern accents.

 Pictures

 References