Casa dels Quatre Rius

A Baroque building adorned with magnificent sgraffito decoration, located at Carrer d’Avinyó 30 in Barcelona, directly opposite the Antic Borsí. Known as the “House of the Four Rivers” (Casa dels Quatre Rius) and designated with a Level B heritage listing, this grand town residence was erected in 1772. The primary reason for its landmark protection is the exceptional sgraffito work gracing its main facades. It stands as one of the finest surviving examples of Catalan heritage; at the time our Chromatic Study was conducted on its facades, it was one of the best-preserved sites in the city, both in terms of its historical wall coatings and its architectural and urban context. No other single building consolidates such a complete iconographic program, spanning mythological, folklore, and traditional artisanal themes.

Our study encompassed extensive documentary and photographic research to catalog the entire decorative sgraffito repertoire and identify its authorship. Additionally, core samples of the architectural coatings were extracted from various points across the facades, providing the scientific data needed to deduce the original color schemes and finishes.

Two of the framed ornamental medallions on the third floor were in a poor state of conservation. The team at Gabinet del Color was able to analyze, decipher, and accurately reconstruct the faded motifs—which represented Spring and Autumn. By mapping and tracing the original incised lines still present on the facade’s surface, we successfully reproduced the lost compositions.