Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The chocolate factory of Angoulême occupies the ground floor of a 19th century building, but its interior decoration dates from the 1st quarter of the 20th century. On April 9, 1915, painters Gaston Pennetier and M. P. Rousseau signed a set of paintings and woodwork in a Louis XVI style, mixing antiquisant motifs and Empire influences. This decor, already anachronistic for the era, contrasts with the emergence of Art Deco, succeeding Art Nouveau.

The interior is distinguished by three levels of ivory woodwork enhanced with gold. The bottom forms a display buffet, the middle houses window niches with ion columnettes, and the top exhibits painted canvases evoking bachic scenes, Apollo, or musical trophies on floral backgrounds. The ceiling, in trompe-l'oeil, simulates a wrought iron balustrade surrounded by roses and birds, framing a central canvas representing a cloudy sky.

The original front, once marble plated, was replaced by a painted wooden version with discreet grooves and mouldings. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1987, the protected ensemble includes woodwork, marouflage canvases, painted ceiling, as well as furniture displays and countertops. The exact address, 18 Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, is located in the heart of Angoulême, Charente.

The decoration reflects the eclectic tastes of the early 20th century, where classicism Louis XVI collides with Empire elements, while decorative arts evolve into more modern forms. The medallions with women's figures draped with antiques, the tied ribbons and the vegetal rinceaux illustrate this search for neoclassical elegance, almost obsolete since its creation.

Sources, including Monumentum and Merimée data, highlight the accuracy of the location (noted 7/10) and the heritage importance of the site. The photographs licensed under Creative Commons (JLPC credit) document this unknown gem, a witness to the commercial and artistic fascists of the time.

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