Scientific Journal of Riga Technical University Architecture and Urban Planning
Agrita Tipāne. Motifs of Nature in Riga Art Nouveau Museum
2010
Volume 4
Fig. 12. Dining room with stenciled pine motifs in Alberta iela 12.
Fig. 13. Stained glass window of dining room in Alberta iela 12 and stained glass window by Jacques Gruber, 1905. Nancy Museum.
Gruber in 1905 for Nancy mansion [13, 92] (Figure 13). Elements of nature also prevail in the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the founder of the stained glass technique of the Art Nouveau period [14, 110]. The symbolism of trees and their representation in Riga Art Nouveau Museum is very interesting – the foliage of the chestnut is intertwined with the laurel, a symbol of immortality and victory. The lower part of the stained glass is also impressive. Irises, one of the most common flowers in Art Nouveau works, are sprouting from the grass. In ancient Greek mythology the iris was associated with the underworld. It was also associated with mysticism that was popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In their turn, water lilies growing in water and reedmaces, as well as a frog symbolise fertility. The water lily can be considered a symbol of the Latvian Art Nouveau, which, similarly to a lotus, blossoms in bogs and is pure and unblemished. In its essence the water lily is a flower of perfection. While the floral elements of the stained glass are related to the aesthetics of symbols, in its deepest essence the stained glass functions as a successful supplement and an accent to the room.
ceiling beams, the door and the window are also green. The wall is painted purple and it symbolises wealth and luxury. All these symbols tell about the wealthy family of the Latvian architect. Stencilled pine motifs adorn the upper part of the walls. Many Latvian folk songs tell about the pine-tree and its stability and resistance. The pine is a symbol of immortality, while pine cones symbolise fertility both in ancient Greek and Latvian mythology. Murals with motifs of pines can be seen also on the ceiling adorned with two still lifes – one depicting game and the other – seafood. The dining room is the only room of the apartment with stained glass windows, which bring colours and buoyancy into the room. Usually stained glass depicts motifs of nature – trees, plants and natural landscapes. The composition of stained glass is usually symmetrical and develops from the bottom up. The stained glass of Riga Art Nouveau Museum also features trees. A chestnut and a laurel tree frame the stained glass window where its middle section depicts landscape with irises, water lilies and reedmaces. This composition is similar to the stained glass created by Jacques
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