'Hills-DeCaro House' Oil on Canvas 50 x 40 cm (Sold)
Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this home is Bert's interpretation of the Hills-DeCaro House. Bert has given the painting of the house a special atmosphere through the incidence of light and use of color. The Edward R. Hills House, also known as the Hills–DeCaro House, is a residence located at 313 Forest Avenue in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois. It is most notable for a 1906 remodel by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in his signature Prairie style. The Hills–DeCaro House represents the notification of two distinct phases in Wright's career; it contains many elements of both the Prairie style and the designs with which Wright experimented throughout the 1890s. The house was built by Wright in 1906 after his trip to Kyoto, Japan. The fusion of Japanese and Prairie styles of architecture make this house distinct from other Wright houses in the neighborhood, notably the Arthur Heurtley House, a national landmark, across the street. The house is listed as a contributing property to a federal historic district on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is a local Oak Park Landmark. Since construction, the home has undergone many changes. During the 1906 remodel, the original late 19th century Stick style structure was moved and essentially completely rebuilt. Alterations carried out between 1912 and 1965 obscured some of Wright's intended design. In 1976, a major fire destroyed or damaged much of the house. The house was immediately rebuilt and partially restored. This was furthered by another partial restoration by the current home owners. As a result of the remodels, the house today bears the work of at least four different architects. The house remains a private residence, but it is occasionally opened for special tours.
