Sunday, June 26, 2011

Bank Messenger


The Scotia Plaza complex (with the waterfall from 2 days ago) consists of the original Bank of Nova Scotia building connected to a newer tower. The original building was designed in the late 20s as a very Deco structure but the stock market crash and the war resulted in it not being constructed until 1951 while still retaining the Deco features. German artist Frederick Winkler designed several of these bas-relief sculptures of heroic mythological features that are featured on the outside walls. This image of Hermes, the Greek messenger god, is located in the top of one of the very deep window openings - as a great Deco fan I love it!

12 comments:

LĂșcia said...

Fantastic, I'd love to see that in person!

Regina K said...

I'm with you as an art deco fan and love to find images like this on walls and buildings. Beautiful!

Karen Franzen said...

I sent this blog link to my cousin who will be visiting from Germany this summer.
many thanks,
Karen

Randy said...

That really is a lovely piece.

Jack said...

It is a grand work of art deco sculpture. Isn't it on a horizontal plane facing down? Odd location.

RedPat said...

Jack - Yes it is very unusual - it is the horizontal plane at the top of the window opening. Not sure what you would call it - it is not really a lintel, just a decorative piece.

Kate said...

I understand your appreciation because it is very attractive.

Kitty said...

wow, very interesting since not many people would notice this.

I take it the surface is not horizontal but on a slant, so you see part of it when facing the building?

Birdman said...

I'm a fan of anything mythological. Go Hermes!

Montreal Photo Daily said...

OOOOPS! How did I miss this post? That's a beautiful decorative detail! Excellent eye you have. :)

A side note: imo, TERRE D'Hermes is one of the nicest men's cologne on the market... check it out.

EG CameraGirl said...

This is extremely attractive.

Unknown said...

I really admire BNS for maintaining these images in almost new condition
Yes they were designed by Fredrick Winkler in smaller scale, but they were
expanded and Sculpted in stone by Louis Temporale R.C.A. as was all the other
exterior Bas-Reliefs which are numerous. The interior wall Bas-Relief inside the
main banking hall of the BNS is also interesting. It was modelled smaller scale in plaster
by Jacobine Jones and was expanded to massive scale and relief and Sculpted in Situ
by Louis Temporale R.C.A.
Accolades must be given to BNS for their preservation measures, unlike other corporate
entities that do not maintain their Heritage properties!!