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Winter 1998 (6.4) Architecture
of the Oil Baron Period
Details of some of the numerous sculptures. Dmitry D. Mitrofanov, a rich oil baron, employed I. V. Edel as the architect for his residence built in an eclectic style. Construction took place between 1898 and 1902. One of the most
distinct characteristics of this building is the lavish limestone
sculpture of the façade. In Islam, human images are not
even supposed to be drawn, but Mitrofanov covered the façade
with carvings of human faces, lions, bears, bare-breasted women
with wings, sturgeon, flora and fauna, and his monogram "M".
Mitrofanov's building seems
to have more elaborate stone carvings than any other residence
in the city.
Exterior of the Mitrofanov Residence In 1919, during the short-lived Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, the French Embassy was located in this building. During the Soviet period, the building was divided into apartments. From Azerbaijan International (6.4) Winter 1998. © Azerbaijan International 1998. All rights reserved. Back to Index
AI 6.4 (Winter 1998) |
