Yesterday I showed rooflines; today I’m focusing on architectural embellishment. While I didn’t have a preference for the rooflines in San Sebastian or Amsterdam, Amsterdam wins hands down for embellishment.
Dutch merchants wanted to show off their wealth. On many of their buildings there are gold adornments, sculptures, elaborate coats-of-arm or fancy trimmings. They liked cherubs and angels, heroic figures, or perhaps self-portraits.
In San Sebastian, nearly every building has balconies with hand-crafted wrought iron. The architectural details are graceful, but the decorations are less ostentatious.
But in both cities, the modern buildings are notable for sweeping lines, reflective glass, unusual shapes—but no ornamentation at all.