Dear Anita,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the appraisal.

The presented object appears to be a drawing on paper with 33,5 x 25 inches measurements. The painting depicts an architectural motif of a French castle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avant-corps). This drawing was made by the architect Henry Hornborstel (1867-1961).
Comparable objects were recently offered and sold on the international auction market.
This piece is in good condition and no severe damage is visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 300 to 600 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.

With kind regards,
Gregory

Additional Information to Avant-Corps:

In architecture, an "avant-corps" refers to a prominent or projecting element on the facade of a building. It is a term commonly used in classical architecture to describe a section that projects forward from the main body of a structure, creating a sense of emphasis or distinction.

The avant-corps is often used to highlight the main entrance or a specific section of a building, serving as a visual focal point. It can be a protruding bay, a pavilion, a tower, or any other architectural feature that breaks the plane of the facade. The avant-corps may have its roofline, vertical emphasis, or decorative elements that differentiate it from the rest of the building.

This architectural element serves multiple purposes:

Visual Emphasis: The avant-corps draws attention to a particular area of the building, often the main entrance or significant interior space, making it visually prominent and easily identifiable.

Composition and Hierarchy: By projecting forward, the avant-corps create a sense of depth and add complexity to the facade, enhancing the building's overall composition. It can establish a hierarchical relationship between different sections of the structure.

Functional Considerations: Avant-corps elements can provide practical functions such as sheltering a porch or vestibule, accommodating staircases, or housing vertical circulation elements like elevators or stairs.

Architectural Style: Avant-corps elements can be designed to reflect a specific architectural style or historical period, contributing to the overall character and aesthetics of the building.

The size, shape, and detailing of an avant-corps can vary greatly depending on the architectural style and the architect's intent. It may incorporate architectural elements like columns, pilasters, pediments, or fenestration patterns to enhance its visual impact.

Overall, the avant-corps is a key design element in architecture that adds depth, visual interest, and emphasis to a building's facade while serving functional and aesthetic purposes.