This bronze sculpture has taken a striking patina and sits on the west side of Hôtel de Ville, what I would call the "back door" of this historical building on Rue de Lobau.
This majestic lion, one of a pair flanking the "back door," was likely sculpted in the 1880s by one of the 230 sculptors engaged to create the bronzes during reconstruction. The building was almost destroyed by fire in 1871 leaving only the stone shell.
He looks very content and proud to be guarding the doors of Hôtel de Ville.
Hôtel de Ville
Rue de Lobau
75004, Paris
19 comments:
Very proud looking.
Un lion si majestueux. Which, I suppose, was the idea for the sculpture. Even if at the back door.
Delightful photo, Genie.
He's beautiful and magnificent. Powerful and proud. I love him. Feline that he is.. :)
He looks really very proud. I can understand him!
Hello Genie:
Wonderful. We love the way in which bronze, exposed to the elements, greens with age. This is a splendid example.
J'aime sa fierté... Une très jolie photo... la lumière du soleil lui rend grâce.
gros bisous
Such a pretty photo...I remember this statue, I loved walking around Hotel de Ville when I was living in Paris.
xx Ivana
Macarons and Pearls
A beautiful lion! :)
Léia
What a magnificent sculpture. "Proud" is certainly the best way to describe him.
Belle journée,
Pierre
I hope to take a picture of me with "my" cat when we visit Paris this September. Love your posts and pictures.
Oh, how regal! Can't wait to take my own personal picture of His Majesty.
It must have been very common in the 19th century to place lions in front of public buildings and inside too.
Very proud indeed! The patina the lions are wearing comes from years and years of weathering the outdoor elements. I love it!
Lions do indeed have a royal bearing. They amply deserve the name King of Beasts.
That "back door" is usually the entrance to some very good exhibits.
Nice, Genie! My cat gets that same look on his face when he's feeling particularly arrogant.
sillygirl, I hope that you will share the photos. There is nothing finer than a cat in Paris!
judy-m, and now you will be able to go right to him (and his brother just opposite the door)
Alexa, I think that t s eliot had it right in assessing cats and their innermost thoughts.
All of you who mentioned "proud" and "regal" and majestic are reading my mind on this large character.
I will have to catch up with your blogs as I am overwhelmed with work and travel and work, just coming back each evening to read you wonderful comments!
Bises,
Genie
He looks like he takes his job very seriously.
Post a Comment