While I have all this time on my hands, I've gone back into my old photographs, and picked out some shots taken in France and Germany. I absolutely adore architecture, and if I'm given a few more years, will try to get to England, Spain, and a few other places to see more.
 |
The great Notre Dame of Paris.
Ravaged by fire last year, it is being repaired. This photo was taken from the terrace of the
Moroccan restaurant atop of the World Arab Institute.
|
 |
| The view everybody knows. |
 |
| The enormous West rose window. |
 |
| Rheims Cathedral, probably the most perfect in Gothic architecture. |
 |
| And the astounding front portals. |
 |
| Melk Abbey, one of the great Baroque masterpieces. |
 |
You stand agape, there is so much turmoil to see.
|
 |
Here is the organ in the rear. While we were visiting, a choir from the
U.S. was contributing to the service.
|
 |
Laon Cathedral. In the twin towers are statues of oxen, a tribute to the oxen which
miraculously appeared while hauling the stone for its construction.
|
 |
| And the interior. |
 |
| Sienna Cathedral in Tuscany, a remarkable and bold work of art. |
 |
Attached to the cathedral is the Piccolomino Library, and one of the most beautiful
ceilings I have ever seen.
|
 |
| And perhaps the most glorious of them all, Passau Cathedral in Germany. |
 |
| The architect's choice of white with incredible paintings creates thrilling space. |
 |
The pipe organ is the largest in Europe. This case continues into the aisles on both sides.
Susan and I heard a noontime organ recital, in which thousands of people showed up.
|
 |
Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. To see this for the first time is to be struck dumb by
the medieval glass. You enter through the bottom chapel, designed for normal citizens, and then you
climb a circular staireway, and walk into the royal chapel, and magical light. Stunning!
|
 |
| More next time. |
No comments:
Post a Comment