 |
Maison d'Adam, Angers, Loire, France | |
| A beautiful example of wood paneling and carving, from the 15th century | ||
|
|
|
One of the highlights of a walking tour of Angers is the Maison d'Adam, at the place Sainte-Croix, not far from the cathedral. This beautiful half-timbered house was built in 1491. In French the style is referred to as maison à colombages or maison a pan de bois and the beams are also called poutres.
While Angers boasts many half-timbered houses, the Maison d'Adam is the most highly decorated and best preserved. Its variety of carved figures provide a fascinating outdoor art gallery. The carvings depict such scenes as the Tree of Life, the Lovers, the Angel of the Annunciation, and several musicians. While one bawdy figure, the Tricouillard, is often cited for having his trousers down and baring his backside, most of the other carvings are much more interesting to see and study.
Today the Maison d'Adam is also the Maison des artisans d'Angers, a central place for artisans to display and sell their work. Maison d'Adam
|
|
Above, The Lovers, on the Maison d'Adam.
|
