Jules Lavirotte

Jules Lavirotte was born on 25th March 1864 in Lyon. Interestingly, the same birth place as Hector Guimard, the Architect Extraordinaire of Art Nouveau. Mere coincidence?

The comparison stops right there because, while both men created Art Nouveau architecture, their respective approach was completely different. Lavirotte adopted a style that was extremely exuberant, baroque and fantastical!

In addition to the usual floral and plant motifs that are part of Art Nouveau, the Lavirotte Building shown in the photos is full of erotic images, naked figures, mixed with lizards, a fox, oxen, etc… From the third floor up to the top, the façade is covered with colourful ceramic.

In all honesty, I find Lavirotte’s work interesting and worth seeing. However, my preference goes to Hector Guimard’s creations. Art is subjective!