No. 2a Alberta iela

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, sculptural 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. There are plenty of other buildings in Riga with such sculptures. However, in a true master stroke, the crowning feature of Nr.2a, is its pair of flanking sphinxes!

The black & white detail of Nr.2a dates from around 1905-10, restored from the Albert-strasse photo in our Riga Album

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