Maison Counet & House of the Aztecs - architect Victor Rogister

Maison Counet & House of the Aztecs

Maison Counet is one of the masterpieces of the Liège architect Victor Rogister. It is one of his most beautiful Art Nouveau projects in Liège, just like Maison Piot, Maison Pieper and Maison Lapaille.

In this street in the Parliament near Maison Counet at No. 2 and 6/8 ( Maison aux Aztèques) two other Art Nouveau constructions by the same Victor Rogister can be seen.
Like the Maison Lapaille built shortly afterwards, Maison Counet was created in an Art Nouveau style close to the Wiener Session. The first impression of this building is the whiteness of the facade. However, the lower three quarters of the ground floor is made of a harmonious mix of sandstone and bluestone.

A stylistic unity dominates over the entire facade: a unity in the form of alternating window openings in the upper part, a unity in the horizontal alignment of small blue ceramic squares on the ground floor, under the windows on the first level and the between the windows on the second floor.

The turret emphasizes the originality of this house and is unique among the Art Nouveau buildings in Liège. The base is a ashlar slab supported by a ashlar console with light emerging from the corner of the building to climb both levels to the roof. It has eight identical window openings. The corner tower is the crown on this work by Victor Rogister.

Around the front door and on the corner of the house are three stone sculptures that give the building a mysterious appearance. These sculptures show three female heads with gagged mouths and closed eyes.
Did Freemasonry, which Victor Rogister knew well, inspire him by advocating the rules for discretion outside the lodge, or should we look in Japan for the symbolism of the three wisdom monkeys with the motto: hear, see and be silent?

The home of the Aztecs

The House of the Aztecs is an Art Nouveau building built in 1906 also by architect Victor Rogister. There is also another Art Nouveau building at no. 2 Rue du Parliament, designed by the same Victor Rogister.

The imposing building has two floors and four window axes. The three right axes are symmetrical, with the exception of the ground floor. The left span is shifted and different. The ground floor, which was once a pastry shop, has been converted into an architectural office and there are several apartments on both floors.

Of the three symmetrical window axes, the middle one is remarkable. On the top floor there is a frame with a circle in a round arch. The frame has a balcony that is equipped with harmonious ironwork that combines straight lines, curves and ellipses. Two rectangular pilasters sculpted with circles protrude above this frame. In between in a plane with Sgraffito two female heads in profile.
Below the balcony on the first floor are two stone consoles with sculptures of the Aztec heads, which gave the building their name.