Saturday, December 3, 2011

Caryatid III


Walking to Parc de Monceau on Avenue Hoche
I noticed two caryatids high on a building supporting the balcony of the deuxième étage. 
As is typical with the caryatids seen in Paris, the two male figures were unique.

Look carefully on the left side of the figure at the bottom.  Do you see a tail?
Now, look at his chest.  Do you see a large paw with claws?
Now, look on top of his head.  What do you see?

I did not notice the details until reviewing the photos later.
Do not forget to look up.



Caryatids, E Ricard et Le Foll,
Architectes, 1892
4, avenue Hoche
75008 Paris
at

20 comments:

  1. martinealisonDecember 3, 2011 at 3:07 AM

    La force du lion en cet homme... Ces cariatides sont vraiment d'une grande beauté... Gros bisous et merci pour cette belle photo.

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  2. Sara LouiseDecember 3, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    That's amazing! I wonder what the symbolism is

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  3. MalyssDecember 3, 2011 at 5:29 AM

    This man must be Herculis, wearing a lion skin. How beautyful and impressive!

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  4. PatDecember 3, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Yes, wearing a lion skin for sure. By his expression, it sure looks like he'd like someone to support the weight for a while, even if he is Hercules.

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  5. Cezar and LéiaDecember 3, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    This kind of figures always impress me... Perhaps the ones that most did so are the gigantic atlantes that stand at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  6. biebkriebelsDecember 3, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Yes, you have to take a good look to see all the details, fantastic.

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  7. Elizabeth at Eiffel TellsDecember 3, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    I frequently look up when in Europe - which has been quite risky at times. But I think that my timing has been wrong. I get the impression from your blog and Virginia’s blog that I have missed quite a lot in Paris!! Warm regards.

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  8. VirginiaDecember 3, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    I'm with Bibi, he's worn out with doing that all day!

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  9. Joop ZandDecember 3, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Very nice picture....i like this.

    greetings, Joop

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  10. Castles Crowns and CottagesDecember 3, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Genie!!!! WHAT A GREAT VIEW of Paris and I love your Repetto post; mice, rats, ballet, Paris....why does it work so well? I hope you had a chance to go to Doré's blog to whom I have linked. It was her lovely idea to work together and she really has some fabulous theatres. DANSE, DANSE MA BELLE!!!!! Anita

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  11. MDecember 3, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Perhaps he is Samson ... dressed in the skin of the lion he killed with his bare hands and strong enough to hold the pillars (building) up. Excellent capture!

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  12. AnonymousDecember 3, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Well, it took me a while to see what you are talking about but I do now. I wonder what it symbolizes?

    Kris

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  13. brattcatDecember 3, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    wonderful, genie. looks like a man a lion (not loin) cloth.

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  14. HalcyonDecember 4, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    He looks a little worried. Maybe his arms are getting sore?

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  15. RandyDecember 4, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    That is amazing. They just don't make them that beautiful anymore.

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  16. cocoa and coconut December 4, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    Very detailed..but I think he looks a little cranky/scary!

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  17. Kelley Carey MacDonaldDecember 4, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    That should be a mantra to follow: Do not forget to look up! Yes, I would have not noticed this - it looks like he is wearing a lion skin!

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  18. AlexaDecember 4, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    A crick in your neck is a small price to pay for a sight like this! Love his lion skin, the look on his face, and especially the placement of that left hand. Fantastic capture, Genie!

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  19. Sharon CreechDecember 5, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Thank you for making me look up - I love finding the surprises in looking closely . . .

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  20. PerthDailyPhotoDecember 5, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    That's fantastic Genie, I would never have noticed these details, as you say sometimes it's only when you download an image you find these things.

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Merci for your comments!