House The Five continents
Address Schildersstraat 2
City/Neighborhood Antwerp
Style(s)
- Art Nouveau
- Eclecticism Art Nouveau
Original use
- Habitat
Année 1901
Architect(s) and/or artist(s)
- Smet-Verhas Frans
Remarkable elements
- Tiles-Ceramics
- Ironwork
- Carpentry
- Masonry work-Layout
Undoubtedly the most extravagant Art Nouveau house in Belgium.
Commissioned by an Antwerp shipowner, Mr P. Roeis, whose initials appear on the bow of the boat.
Designed in 1901 by architect Frans Smet-Verhas, it is his most accomplished work!
See also another extraordinary work, “De Slag van Waterloo” (1905).
A true work of art, teeming with decorative and architectural details.
Probably influenced by the Brussels architect Gustave Strauven in the work of colored bricks, yellow bricks streaked with dark sky blue bricks.
The most striking element is this white ship's prow which comes out of the house at the corner, surmounted by a loggia divided into five sides, representing the five continents, illustrated on the stained glass windows which adorn it.
Above the loggia, a small balcony with an ornate wrought iron balustrade.
A round window (very Strauven) pierces the facade on the Schilderstraat side, while on the Plaatsnijdersstraat, the building ends in a vast covered terrace.
In the (destructive) 1970s, a section of the building was knocked down and replaced by a soulless building.
A double cornice and pilasters complete the house.
The corner building was listed in 1976, the other houses in 1988.
Everything is in excellent condition.
ANT20 - Unless otherwise stated © www.admirable-artnouveau.be for all photos