Antique French Print Maison de Jardinier by Pierre Chabat c.1900
This antique architectural print, titled Maison de Jardinier, presents the design of a gardener’s house by architect Pierre Chabat. The plate (Pl. XVIII, 2e Série) comes from the renowned publication La Brique et la Terre Cuite (The Brick and Terracotta), issued in Paris in the late 19th century to around 1900.
The lithograph shows a richly detailed façade executed in decorative brickwork, with alternating colors and geometric patterns that emphasize the rhythm of the windows and cornice. The composition also highlights specific ornamental details, including the cornice and window surrounds, showing the artistry and versatility of brick as both a structural and decorative material.
This house was conceived as a gardener’s dwelling, yet the architectural design demonstrates the same care and refinement applied to larger urban residences. The façade combines practical functionality with visual interest, typical of the Belle Époque period, when ornamented brickwork became an important stylistic choice in French domestic architecture.
Pierre Chabat (1827–1892) was a French architect, theorist, and prolific writer, whose work celebrated the technical and aesthetic potential of brick and terracotta. His series La Brique et la Terre Cuite documented exemplary buildings, villas, and details, serving as both an inspiration and a reference for architects, builders, and historians.
This plate captures not only the architectural character of a modest yet dignified French residence but also the decorative ingenuity of 19th-century brickwork. It appeals to collectors of architectural history, decorative arts, and those with an interest in French building traditions.
Condition report: Very good condition with fresh colors and clear impression. Minor toning near the edges, consistent with age. Plate mark visible. No major flaws.
Framing tips: Best displayed in a walnut or ebonized wood frame with a cream or light ivory mat to emphasize the warm hues of the brick patterns. A thin red or terracotta liner would highlight the ornament beautifully.
Technique: Lithograph Maker: Pierre Chabat, France, c.1900
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.