The wonders of bricklayer in ancient times.

I admire the skill of people who built the old buildings in my town. Want to consider more of the former city Council. The exact date of construction is unknown. Usually they write that this is the end of the XIX century and early XX — th.

the

a Masterpiece and a pathetic attempt to emulate

For comparison, I took photos of the newly built building that tried very hard to make look like the old one. Because this place really was an old house in a fairly poor state and instead of restoration, it was decided to build a new one.
I must say that it was not possible. Even had a short-lived scandal, but the money apparently.

The old building of the city Council was restored and was completed the third floor. So it looks quite fresh.
During the restoration of the entire exterior brick was cleaned by hand. I watched this painstaking process. It lasted a long time but the result is very good.

Here is the facade of the building today.

So closer.

Almost every series is a masterpiece. Particularly impressive semi-circular wall. And on it is made convex squares. I laid the brickwork and I can assure you, repeating is extremely difficult.

The thickness and location of the seams is just perfect.
Now look at modern masonry "antique". Brick was used "old" look.

It is evident that modern bricklayer tried. The clutch is made at a high enough level. But the complexity of much also was not. everything is quite simple.
Simple arches and ridiculous convex squares.

Here the arch of the old masters.

As they say feel the difference. And miniature pilasters near the Windows? Isn't that amazing. They have to fit each brick. And this is also done perfectly.

The ledge is just mind-blowing. How it was done!!! Where is the project? Who's the architect?

On top of visible wretchedness smooth wall modern third floor.
For comparison pathetic attempt to emulate.

And it is of sufficient quality masonry today.
Not to mention the empty baggy seams and curvature.

The impression is that for a hundred years the skill of laying bricks just died out.
People are different, or hands, do not know.
But looking at the masterpieces of olden time, it makes me sad...