Maison du Sagittaire: A Renaissance Façade

The Maison du Sagittaire, or House of the Sagittarius, is a striking historical landmark located in Amiens, France. This is not a complete building, but rather a meticulously reconstructed Renaissance facade. The original building, attributed to architect Charles Bullant, was constructed in the late 16th century and was located on Rue des Vergeaux. The facade is adorned with Renaissance details, including two Sagittarius figures, from which the house derives its name. During World War II, in May 1940, the Maison du Sagittaire was destroyed by fire, leaving only the facade standing. Recognizing its historical significance, the facade was classified as a historical monument in December 1941, ensuring its preservation. In July 1952, under the direction of historical monuments, the facade was carefully dismantled, stone by stone, and moved from its original location. For eight years, the stones were stored and restored inside the Saint-Germain church. In January 1960, the decision was made to rebuild the facade next to the Tour du Logis du Roy, in front of a new building. Skilled artisans reconstructed the facade, and sculptor André Lavaysse restored the sculpted motifs. The allegorical sculptures include a Virgin and Child, as well as representations of Affliction and Piety, inspired by Cesare Ripa's Iconologie. The facade stands as a testament to Amiens' rich history and architectural resilience.