Alphonse Balat
Encyclopedia
Alphonse Hubert François Balat (Gochenée
1819 - Ixelles 1895) was a Belgian architect
.
He studied at the Academie of Namur
and obtained his degree in architecture from the Academy of Antwerp in 1838.
In 1839 he stayed in Paris for a year but returned after his fathers death. He was soon discovered by the Walloon nobility
for which he built or renovated a number of 'Château
's' (amongst others Castle of Jehay-Bodegnée
, Presles
). Stylistically these constructions often contained renaissance
elements with a neoclassical
stress. In his interior designs he also used elements from the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles.
In 1846 Balat settled in Brussels
. His was introduced to the Belgian royal family after he was noticed for his design of a temporary festive decoration for the Salle de la Madeleine (Magdalenamarkt) where the royal family had been present (1848).
In 1851 and 1856 he created several temporary festive decorations for the monarchy. In 1852 he was appointed as the architect of the Duke of Brabant
, the later king Leopold II of Belgium
. In 1856 he constructed the town palace (Hôtel) of the Marquess of Assche (Asse
) in the newly planned district called 'Quartier Léopold'
. It was noticed for its austere classical Neo-Renaissance
facade inspired by Michelangelo
's Palazzo Farnese in Rome
. His rather sober classical approach was rare at that time when excessively decorated facades and interiors were much preferred . During his career he built a large number of private residences. Most of them were demolished during the 20th century.
After Leopold II ascended the throne in 1865, Balat became his principal architect. Balat made a number of designs for the sumptuous reception rooms of the palace such as the 'Throne Room', 'The Grand Staircase', and the 'Grande Galerie'. For this realisations he greatly followed the example of the French Royal residences. Balat realised the facade on the back of the palace and the facades of the courtyards. His design for the principal facade of the Royal Palace of Belgium is deeply influenced by the work of the French architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel
. It was not executed during Balat's lifetime and later completed in an altered form by Henri Maquet
.
His most successful architectural project are the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
. It consists of a huge complex of several dome-shaped buildings in iron and glass that are connected by glass-roofed galleries. The centerpiece is the domed 'Grand Jardin d'hiver' which is a circular interpretation of the Palm House
of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
.
Working with new materials like iron and glass, Balat was obliged to abandon his 'classical' stance. This stimulated the imagination of the architect. In the steel constructions he introduced decorative motifs derived from plants and flowers. This formed a first step towards Art Nouveau
architecture that was further developed by Victor Horta
who served as an apprentice of Balat.
1. For Leopold II of Belgium
:
2. For other private patrons:
3. Other projects:
Doische
Doische is a Walloon municipality located in Belgium in the province of Namur. On 1 January 2006 the municipality had 2,846 inhabitants. The total area is 84.02 km², giving a population density of 34 inhabitants per km².-External links:*...
1819 - Ixelles 1895) was a Belgian architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
.
He studied at the Academie of Namur
Namur (city)
Namur is a city and municipality in Wallonia, in southern Belgium. It is both the capital of the province of Namur and of Wallonia....
and obtained his degree in architecture from the Academy of Antwerp in 1838.
In 1839 he stayed in Paris for a year but returned after his fathers death. He was soon discovered by the Walloon nobility
Nobility
Nobility is a social class which possesses more acknowledged privileges or eminence than members of most other classes in a society, membership therein typically being hereditary. The privileges associated with nobility may constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or may be...
for which he built or renovated a number of 'Château
Château
A château is a manor house or residence of the lord of the manor or a country house of nobility or gentry, with or without fortifications, originally—and still most frequently—in French-speaking regions...
's' (amongst others Castle of Jehay-Bodegnée
Castle of Jehay-Bodegnée
Jehay Castle or Jehay-Bodegnée Castle is a castle situated in the municipality of Amay in the province of Liège in Belgium.-History:Since the end of the 17th century the castle has been the property of the Counts van den Steen de Jehay...
, Presles
Presles
-In France:* Presles, Calvados, in the Calvados département* Presles, Isère, in the Isère département* Presles, Val-d'Oise, in the Val-d'Oise département* Presles-en-Brie, in the Seine-et-Marne département...
). Stylistically these constructions often contained renaissance
Renaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the Late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe. The term is also used more loosely to refer to the historical era, but since the changes of the Renaissance were not...
elements with a neoclassical
Neoclassical architecture
Neoclassical architecture was an architectural style produced by the neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century, manifested both in its details as a reaction against the Rococo style of naturalistic ornament, and in its architectural formulas as an outgrowth of some classicizing...
stress. In his interior designs he also used elements from the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles.
In 1846 Balat settled in Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
. His was introduced to the Belgian royal family after he was noticed for his design of a temporary festive decoration for the Salle de la Madeleine (Magdalenamarkt) where the royal family had been present (1848).
In 1851 and 1856 he created several temporary festive decorations for the monarchy. In 1852 he was appointed as the architect of the Duke of Brabant
Duke of Brabant
The Duchy of Brabant was formally erected in 1183/1184. The title "Duke of Brabant" was created by the German Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in favor of Henry I, son of Godfrey III of Leuven . The Duchy of Brabant was a feudal elevation of the since 1085/1086 existing title of Landgrave of Brabant...
, the later king Leopold II of Belgium
Leopold II of Belgium
Leopold II was the second king of the Belgians. Born in Brussels the second son of Leopold I and Louise-Marie of Orléans, he succeeded his father to the throne on 17 December 1865 and remained king until his death.Leopold is chiefly remembered as the founder and sole owner of the Congo Free...
. In 1856 he constructed the town palace (Hôtel) of the Marquess of Assche (Asse
Asse
Asse is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The municipality comprises the towns of Asse proper, Bekkerzeel, Kobbegem, Mollem, Relegem and Zellik. On January 1, 2006 Asse had a total population of 29,191...
) in the newly planned district called 'Quartier Léopold'
Leopold Quarter
The Leopold Quarter is a quarter of Brussels, Belgium. Today the term is sometimes confused with European Quarter, as the area has come to be dominated by the institutions of the European Union and organisations dealing with them, although the two terms are not in fact the same, with the Leopold...
. It was noticed for its austere classical Neo-Renaissance
Neo-Renaissance
Renaissance Revival is an all-encompassing designation that covers many 19th century architectural revival styles which were neither Grecian nor Gothic but which instead drew inspiration from a wide range of classicizing Italian modes...
facade inspired by Michelangelo
Michelangelo
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni , commonly known as Michelangelo, was an Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer who exerted an unparalleled influence on the development of Western art...
's Palazzo Farnese in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
. His rather sober classical approach was rare at that time when excessively decorated facades and interiors were much preferred . During his career he built a large number of private residences. Most of them were demolished during the 20th century.
Ange-Jacques Gabriel
Ange-Jacques Gabriel was the most prominent French architect of his generation.Born to a Parisian family of architects and initially trained by the royal architect Robert de Cotte and his father , whom he assisted in the creation of the Place Royale at Bordeaux , the younger Gabriel...
. It was not executed during Balat's lifetime and later completed in an altered form by Henri Maquet
Henri Maquet
Henri Maquet was a Belgian architect, best known for his work for King Leopold II of Belgium.Born in Brussels, Maquet trained in Liege, at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, then worked in the office of Hendrik Beyaert...
.
His most successful architectural project are the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken , are a vast complex of monumental heated greenhouses in the park of the Royal Castle of Laeken in Brussels and one of the major tourist attractions of the city. The complex was commissioned by King Leopold II of Belgium and designed by Alphonse Balat...
. It consists of a huge complex of several dome-shaped buildings in iron and glass that are connected by glass-roofed galleries. The centerpiece is the domed 'Grand Jardin d'hiver' which is a circular interpretation of the Palm House
Palm House
A palm house is a greenhouse that is specialised for the growing of palms and other tropical and subtropical plants. Palm houses require constant heat and were built as status symbols in Victorian Britain...
of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to as Kew Gardens, is 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in southwest London, England. "The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew" and the brand name "Kew" are also used as umbrella terms for the institution that runs...
.
Working with new materials like iron and glass, Balat was obliged to abandon his 'classical' stance. This stimulated the imagination of the architect. In the steel constructions he introduced decorative motifs derived from plants and flowers. This formed a first step towards Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau is an international philosophy and style of art, architecture and applied art—especially the decorative arts—that were most popular during 1890–1910. The name "Art Nouveau" is French for "new art"...
architecture that was further developed by Victor Horta
Victor Horta
Victor, Baron Horta was a Belgian architect and designer. John Julius Norwich described him as "undoubtedly the key European Art Nouveau architect." Indeed, Horta is one of the most important names in Art Nouveau architecture; the construction of his Hôtel Tassel in Brussels in 1892-3 means that...
who served as an apprentice of Balat.
Works
Leopold II of Belgium
Leopold II was the second king of the Belgians. Born in Brussels the second son of Leopold I and Louise-Marie of Orléans, he succeeded his father to the throne on 17 December 1865 and remained king until his death.Leopold is chiefly remembered as the founder and sole owner of the Congo Free...
:
- Royal Palace of Brussels, BrusselsBrusselsBrussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
(1866–1874) : Grand Staircase, decoration of divers room, Throne Room, back facade, several projects for the principal facade. - Royal Castle of Laeken : manège (1873–1874), new entrance gate (1879–1880), restoration after the fire (1890)
- Royal Greenhouses of LaekenRoyal Greenhouses of LaekenThe Royal Greenhouses of Laeken , are a vast complex of monumental heated greenhouses in the park of the Royal Castle of Laeken in Brussels and one of the major tourist attractions of the city. The complex was commissioned by King Leopold II of Belgium and designed by Alphonse Balat...
(1874–1890) - Royal Museums of Fine Arts of BelgiumRoyal Museums of Fine Arts of BelgiumThe Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium , is one of the most famous museums in Belgium.-The museum:...
(1875–1880), rue de la Régence/Regentschapsstraat, BrusselsBrusselsBrussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
. - Royal Castle of ArdenneCastle of ArdenneArdenne Castle, or the Royal Castle of Ardenne was situated in the municipality of Houyet in Belgium not far from Ciergnon Castle. The construction of the building was ordered in 1874 by King Leopold II of Belgium, to the plans of his architect Alphonse Balat...
(near HouyetHouyetHouyet is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Namur. On 1 January 2006 the municipality had 4,485 inhabitants. The total area is 122.31 km², giving a population density of 37 inhabitants per km²....
), later converted into a luxury hotel. (1874-) - Royal Castle of CiergnonCastle of CiergnonCiergnon Castle, or the Royal Castle of Ciergnon is a residence and summer retreat of the Belgian Royal Family situated near the town of Ciergnon in the municipality of Houyet, province of Namur...
(near HouyetHouyetHouyet is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Namur. On 1 January 2006 the municipality had 4,485 inhabitants. The total area is 122.31 km², giving a population density of 37 inhabitants per km²....
). - Project for a 'Panthéon National', in KoekelbergKoekelbergKoekelberg is one of the nineteen municipalities located in the Brussels-Capital Region of Belgium. On January 1, 2006 the municipality had a total population of 18,157...
(1880 - not realised), (colossal ionic temple) - Facade of the Royal Castle of CiergnonCastle of CiergnonCiergnon Castle, or the Royal Castle of Ciergnon is a residence and summer retreat of the Belgian Royal Family situated near the town of Ciergnon in the municipality of Houyet, province of Namur...
(1880) - Project for the 'Montagne de la Cour', today called 'Mont des Arts'/'Kunstberg' in BrusselsBrusselsBrussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
(1882, not realised)
2. For other private patrons:
- Transformations on the Castle of Jehay-BodegnéeCastle of Jehay-BodegnéeJehay Castle or Jehay-Bodegnée Castle is a castle situated in the municipality of Amay in the province of Liège in Belgium.-History:Since the end of the 17th century the castle has been the property of the Counts van den Steen de Jehay...
- Castle of WarfuséeCastle of Warfusée-See also:*List of castles in Belgium...
in Saint-Georges-sur-MeuseSaint-Georges-sur-MeuseSaint-Georges-sur-Meuse is a municipality of Belgium. It lies in the country's Walloon Region and Province of Liege. On January 1, 2006 Saint-Georges-sur-Meuse had a total population of 6,613. The total area is 20.90 km² which gives a population density of 316 inhabitants per km²....
: facade in Louis XV of FranceLouis XV of FranceLouis XV was a Bourbon monarch who ruled as King of France and of Navarre from 1 September 1715 until his death. He succeeded his great-grandfather at the age of five, his first cousin Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, served as Regent of the kingdom until Louis's majority in 1723...
style and interior decoration (1840) - Château Saint-Marc, near NamurNamur (city)Namur is a city and municipality in Wallonia, in southern Belgium. It is both the capital of the province of Namur and of Wallonia....
: facade - Château de Seilles-lez-Andenne
- Castle of Houtain-le-Val : exterior renovation.
- Château de Presles (1855)
- Gentilhommière à Dave (1858)
- Palace of Charles Vander Noot, Marquess of Assche, rue de la Science, 33 (today square Frère Orban) BrusselsBrusselsBrussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
(1856–1858) - Transformation of the OpheylissemHélécineHélécine is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Walloon Brabant. On 1 January 2006 Hélécine had a total population of 3,068. The total area is 16.62 km² which gives a population density of 185 inhabitants per km².-References:...
abbey into a 'château de plaisance' (dome)(1870) - Reconstruction of the Castle of Freÿr after the fire (since 1875)
- Transformations on the Castle of MirwartCastle of MirwartMirwart Castle is situated in Mirwart in Saint-Hubert, in the province of Luxembourg, Wallonia, Belgium.The castle is built on a rock rising above the "Vallée de la Lomme". The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 11th century. It was a stronghold belonging to the duchy of Lorraine...
- Festive decoration of the salle de la Madeleine in BrusselsBrusselsBrussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
(1848) - Festive decoration of the 'salle du palais ducal' in BrusselsBrusselsBrussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
(1851) and (1856). - 'Victoria Regia' greenhouse in the Zoo of Brussels (Leopold ParkLeopold ParkParc Léopold or Leopoldspark is a public park located within the Leopold Quarter of Brussels, adjacent to the Paul-Henri Spaak building, the seat of the European Parliament....
). Moved to the National Botanic Garden of BelgiumNational Botanic Garden of BelgiumThe National Botanic Garden of Belgium is located in the grounds of Bouchout Castle near the village of Meise, just north of Brussels. It is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world with an extensive collection of living plants in addition to a herbarium of over 3 million specimens...
in MeiseMeiseMeise is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The municipality comprises the towns of Meise proper and Wolvertem , and, several smaller villages like Sint-Brixius-Rode, Oppem, Meusegem, Impde/Imde, Rossem, Westrode and quarters as Bouchout, Nerom and Slozen. As of...
. (Bouchout CastleBouchout CastleBouchout Castle is a castle in the Flemish town of Meise, Belgium. In the 12th century, this territory of the young Duchy of Brabant was strategically positioned between the County of Flanders and the Berthout family, lords of Grimbergen...
)