Sunday, September 19, 2010

Église Saint-Séverin

The graceful arches in the ambulatory of Église Saint-Séverin are emphasized by the ambient light of the mid-afternoon sun.

I am fascinated by the architecture of this church and there is much to see both inside out out.

20 comments:

Rob-bear said...

C'est mervielleux, Genie.

Wonderful blend of light, shadow, and architecture.

Dianne said...

Hi Genie ~ I love this pic because I have just finished a 1 year study of 'The History of Art' which included architecture and learning about this particular late Gothic style church + also the use of ambulatories which is now largely non-existent in modern day churches ~ and so I was delighted to click onto your site and actually see a photo of this beautiful eglise.

Starman said...

Love these arches.

Birdman said...

I'd take this shot too. Wonderful!

Virginia said...

Nice one. Isn't this the church with the fabulous twisted columns and gorgeous modern stained glass? One of my favorites.
V

Loree said...

We did not make it inside that church - it was closed by the time we got there late in the evening. But I loved the facade and took several photos.

Amanda Summer said...

what a stunning, evocative photograph. and appropriate to be looking at on a sunday ;-)


thanks, genie, for your kind and wise comment over at my place....

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Rob -- (We are on a first-name basis, non?) Each of the alcoves has a stained glass window. Also, as you can see, there are artificial lights that shine up to emphasize the arches. Merci!

Dianne -- I am so glad that you commented because I was struggling with the "ambulatory." That is what it should be called but there were no ready examples for comparison. Thanks for the support! Your knowledge of the architecture is an asset. Merci!

Starman -- I hope that you are enjoying your looooong vacation.

Mr Bird -- Thanks for commenting

Virginia -- Yes, and you can see both a twisted column and abstract stained glass in the rear of the ambulatory. We were there together that day and it did occur to me that we might "double-post" today like twins!

Loree -- The façade is quite interesting but I am sorry that you did not make it inside on your recent trip. The twisted columns in the apse are quite unusual.

James said...

This is so nice! Black and white adds to the appeal.

I can't wait to go back to Paris!!!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

James -- Thank you for your comment about the b/w tones. When I saw the color photo with the jewel tones of the stained glass window and the soft yellow light, it was a struggle to opt for the b/w. It does appear more appropriate for the setting perhaps adding some mystery?

Alexa said...

Great shot, Genie! You've captured the architecture and the ambience of this wonderful church.

M said...

Genie, I am looking at my color photo and I think your B&W really emphasizes the edges of the arches and enhances the architecture - I love it and find it absolutely exquisite!! You have blessed my Sunday. Bises

My Castle in Spain said...

Hi Genie,
it would be great to meet in Paris sometime !
mille mercis for your sweet words of encouragement on my work... :-)
A big hug to you
Lala

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

M -- Glad you were there with me. Blessings to you.

Lala -- We must do that as I am sure that you know places in Paris that I would never imagine!

Randy said...

Wow you captured this so wonderfully. It is so dramatic looking and it adds to the beauty.

Kate said...

After reading your many messages on jb's blog, I decided to come to see for myself. Great photos!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful in b&w!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Randy, Kate and JM -- Thanks for your support. It helps me to switch to B/W more often. Merci à vous.

Unknown said...

gotic I think, thats realy great I have a lot of respect of the peoples, they was building it. big hugh Kathrin

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Kathrin -- Many thanks for your comment -- big hug to you.
Vielen Dank! Ich lese die Schriften von Irene Nemirovsky auch. (I hope the translation is good)