Hoger Handelsgesticht

Description

The former "Hoger Handelsgesticht" (1895-1897) in #Antwerpen, designed by F. Sel and F. Truyman in bombastic eclectic neo-baroque style, boasts a lavish main facade on Schildersstraat in white Euville limestone and bluestone. Its seven-bay, two-storey front centers on a monumental portal with domed roof, Corinthian half-columns, obelisk-crowned pediment, flanking lions, and a 'Four Continents' sculpture niche. The bel-etage features three grand round-arched windows between half-columns, flanked by statues of 'Education' atop ship-bow bases, plus ornate modillion cornice and balustrade. De Vrièrestraat side shows a grand gatehouse with pilasters, arched niches holding vases, and pediment with Antwerp's coat of arms and 'SPQA'.