William Watson Lawrence House
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Embassy of France
1910, Jules Henri de Sibour. 2221 Kalorama Rd.
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(Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress) -
Embassy of France (William Watson Lawrence House) (Franz Jantzen)
Square towers, dormer windows, and then low wings that recede in steps from the wide central entrance gable establish a symmetrical composition of an imposing monumentality. Subtle asymmetries of window placement and the medieval details used in the composition and detailing of the limestone window frames suggest an earlier tradition than the Renaissance-inspired axiality and symmetry of the building's overall composition. This combination of styles is associated with early French Renaissance architecture. The flavor is strengthened by the use of multitoned brown brick in imitation of fieldstone for the walls and the carved limestone trim.
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