At Nr.2a Alberta iela,
we find a truly inspired potpourri of neo-classicism plus neo-Egyptian plus a shot of 190
proof Art Nouveau, blended well, then poured and molded to perfection.
Most of the sculpture along Alberta iela is bas relief, however,
Nr.2a has not one, but two, monumental figures gracing its facade. To
the left, one bears aloft victory laurel wreath (since partially broken
off), to the right, the other bears a victory torch (hand broken off
since).
These sculptures would be enough of an architectural and artistic
achievement by themselves. But there are plenty of other buildings in Riga with
such sculptures. In a true master stroke, the crowning feature of Nr.2a,
what puts it "over the top," is its pair of flanking sphinxes!
The black & white pictures of Nr.2a date
from around 1905-10, restored from the Albert-strasse photo in our Riga
Album
Gallery
Riga's Jugendstil Grandeur
Right figure, bearing torch
Left figure, bearing victory wreath
