Franceză 14 – strada Carol I nr. 22 (nr. 18 după renumerotarea din anul 1890), proprietară Maria Rădulescu, datarea clădirii – 1884; cod LMI B-II-m-B-18772.
Datele istorice privind casa de pe strada Franceză 14 coboară până la jumătatea secolului al XIX-lea, aceasta fiind proprietatea lui Nicolae Rădulescu Ișlicarul, căsătorit cu Maria Popescu. La moartea lui, în anul 1880, neavând moștenitori direcţi, toată averea, inclusiv această casă, i-a revenit soţiei lui, conform testamentului care fusese întocmit în 1866.
În anul 1884, Maria Rădulescu a refăcut casa din suburbia Sfântul Dumitru, culoarea de roșu, și a făcut apoi o cerere de împrumut la Creditul Funciar Urban cu ipotecă asupra acestei case, pentru a se degreva de o datorie apăsătoare la un creditor particular, Maria Balonaș: „Vă rog dar să binevoiţi a-mi acorda suma de 86000 necesară a scăpa de vechiul debitor, care mă va lăsa săracă cu dobânda ce-i plătesc. Casele mele sunt din cele dintâi din capitală la soliditate și arhitectură.”
Descrierea casei în anul 1884, și faptul că la acea dată era nouă, sunt conţinute în raportul de evaluare al Creditului Funciar Urban. Construcţia, din zidărie solidă și cu acoperiș de tablă conform normelor, avea faţade pe strada Carol, unde exista subsol, parter și două etaje, și pe strada Măgureanului (astăzi I.C. Filitti) cu subsol, parter și trei etaje. Diferenţa de caturi rezultă din topografia zonei, cu terenul mai înclinat pe cea de-a doua stradă.
Casa avea, de asemenea, „opt ochiuri de pivniţe boltite, două magazine mari de comerţ în strada Carol, o intrare și cinci diverse camere în parter, opt camere, vestibul, galeria, scara principală și secundară în catul I, și tot atâtea în catul al II-lea”. Comisia de evaluare mai nota că era o construcţie nouă, chiar neterminată complet în momentul vizitei lor, rămânând a se monta sobele de porţelan la catul al II-lea, parchetul în principalele camere și „dalajele în vestibule”.
Casa urma să aducă venit din chirii, un detaliu întotdeauna relevant pentru interesele Creditului Funciar, cele două prăvălii de la parter fiind deja lăsate unor negustori. În anul 1893, Maria Rădulescu i-a vândut proprietatea de pe strada Carol I nr. 18 (fostă nr. 22 după renumerotarea din anul 1890) lui I. Moisescu, care, în anul 1911, l-a constituit dotă fiicei sale Esthera, la căsătoria ei cu Emanuel Guttman. Pe această casă este astăzi montat un medalion cu efigie care informează că aici s-a născut scriitoarea Iulia Hașdeu, în anul 1859. (Alexandra Țânțăreanu)
Referințe:
- Strada Franceză – Studiu istoric (Alexandra Țânțăreanu, Universitatea de Arhitectură Ion Mincu)
- Strada Franceza - Restituiri (BCMI 2010)
- Case pe strada Franceză (6) (Bucureștii vechi și noi)
- Casele Bucureştilor (XXIII). Vilele/ de dr. Alexandru Popescu („Casă str. Franceză nr. 14, sec. XIX; Nu se mai ştie cine a fost proprietarul acestui imobil, dar pe faţada sa este fixată o placă memorială care aminteşte că aici s-a născut, în 1869, Iulia Haşdeu, părinţii săi locuind aici în calitate de chiriaşi.”)
Notă: e puțin probabil ca acest imobil să fi fost construit înainte de 1869, când s-a născut Iulia Hașdeu. Posibil să se fi strecurat o greșeală pe undeva... (n.r.)
Octombrie 2022:
ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Franceză 14:
The building located at Strada Franceza 14 in Bucharest is a remarkable example of Eclectic architecture, a style that was prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Eclectic architecture is known for its blend of various historical styles, combined in a way that creates a cohesive and harmonious design. This building exemplifies the eclectic approach through its mix of Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque elements, which together create an impressive and richly detailed façade that reflects the architectural ambitions of the time.
This structure is a multi-story building, likely designed for mixed-use purposes with commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential or office spaces above. The building’s façade is meticulously composed, with an emphasis on symmetry and classical proportions, hallmarks of the Neo-Renaissance influence. The overall aesthetic of the building is one of grandeur and refinement, achieved through the careful integration of classical architectural elements and ornate detailing.
The ground floor of the building is designed to serve its commercial function, featuring large windows and a central doorway that opens directly onto the street. The windows are framed by plain, robust moldings, which contrast with the more elaborate detailing of the upper floors. The entrance is emphasized by its central position, marked by a large, arched doorway that adds a sense of importance and formality to the building’s ground level. The use of arches, a classical motif, ties the ground floor to the upper levels while also creating a welcoming entry point for visitors.
One of the most striking features of the building is its upper façade, which is divided into three vertical bays, with the central bay projecting slightly forward. This projection is a classical architectural device that creates a sense of depth and hierarchy, drawing the viewer’s eye to the center of the composition. The central bay is further accentuated by a balcony on the second floor, which is supported by large, decorative brackets and enclosed by a balustrade featuring ornate stone balusters. The balcony serves as both a functional outdoor space and a visual focal point, adding to the building’s overall sense of elegance and grandeur.
The windows on the upper floors are tall and narrow, framed by pilasters that rise from the base of the second floor to the cornice. These pilasters are fluted, adding texture to the façade, and are capped with Corinthian capitals, which are richly detailed with acanthus leaves. The use of Corinthian capitals, a classical feature, adds a sense of refinement and sophistication to the building. Above the windows, the façade is further decorated with elaborate entablatures, including a frieze and a cornice that features classical motifs such as dentils and modillions.
The cornice itself is a significant feature of the building, projecting outward from the façade and providing a strong horizontal line that caps the structure. This cornice is supported by a series of brackets, each intricately carved with classical motifs, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity along the top of the façade. The cornice serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, protecting the façade from rainwater and defining the building’s silhouette against the sky.
The central bay of the façade is crowned with a pediment, another classical element that adds to the building’s grandeur. This pediment is triangular, echoing the form of a classical temple front, and is decorated with floral and foliate motifs that further enhance the building’s ornate appearance. The use of a pediment is typical of the Neo-Renaissance style, which often incorporated classical forms and motifs to convey a sense of tradition and permanence.
The façade is finished with smooth stucco, a common material in Eclectic architecture that allows for the creation of intricate moldings and decorative elements. The stucco is painted in a light color, which not only reflects light and brightens the street but also highlights the building’s architectural details. The light color palette is typical of buildings from this period, where the use of lighter tones was intended to create a welcoming and harmonious urban environment.
The overall composition of the façade is one of balance and harmony, with each element carefully placed to create a unified and cohesive design. The symmetry of the façade, combined with the classical proportions and ornate detailing, reflects the influence of the Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque styles, which sought to revive the grandeur and elegance of classical architecture. However, the Eclectic style allows for a degree of flexibility and creativity, resulting in a building that is both traditional and unique.
The building’s current state shows signs of aging, particularly in the condition of the balcony and the stucco. The stone brackets supporting the balcony are weathered, and there are areas where the stucco has cracked or chipped, revealing the underlying structure. These signs of wear add a layer of historical authenticity to the building, reminding viewers of its long history and the many changes it has witnessed over the decades. However, they also highlight the ongoing need for preservation and maintenance to ensure that the building continues to contribute to the architectural heritage of Bucharest.
The building’s location on Strada Franceza places it in one of Bucharest’s most historically and architecturally significant areas. This street, part of the city’s old town, is known for its rich architectural diversity, with buildings that reflect a wide range of styles from different periods. The building at Strada Franceza 14 is a key part of this ensemble, contributing to the street’s character and historical ambiance. Its Eclectic style, with its blend of Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque elements, reflects the architectural trends of the late 19th century, a period when Bucharest was rapidly modernizing and seeking to align itself with other European capitals.
In conclusion, the building at Strada Franceza 14 is a significant example of Eclectic architecture in Bucharest. Its richly decorated façade, with its symmetrical composition, classical elements, and elegant proportions, reflects the architectural trends of the late 19th century and contributes to the historical character of Strada Franceza. The building embodies the aspirations of a time when Bucharest was emerging as a modern European capital, and its continued presence on Strada Franceza serves as a reminder of the city’s rich cultural and architectural history. Despite the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it, the building remains a vital part of Bucharest’s architectural heritage, offering a glimpse into the city’s past and the cultural values that shaped its development. As part of the larger architectural ensemble of Strada Franceza, this building continues to play a crucial role in preserving the historical identity of Bucharest’s old town, ensuring that the city’s rich architectural legacy is passed down to future generations.
