Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Hôtel de Ville - le lion




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:

Randy said...

Very proud looking.

Rob-bear said...

Un lion si majestueux. Which, I suppose, was the idea for the sculpture. Even if at the back door.

Delightful photo, Genie.

Mary said...

He's beautiful and magnificent. Powerful and proud. I love him. Feline that he is.. :)

Vreni said...

He looks really very proud. I can understand him!

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Genie:
Wonderful. We love the way in which bronze, exposed to the elements, greens with age. This is a splendid example.

martinealison said...

J'aime sa fierté... Une très jolie photo... la lumière du soleil lui rend grâce.
gros bisous

Ivana said...

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

Cezar and Léia said...

A beautiful lion! :)
Léia

Joe said...

What a magnificent sculpture. "Proud" is certainly the best way to describe him.

Pierre BOYER said...

Belle journée,

Pierre

sillygirl said...

I hope to take a picture of me with "my" cat when we visit Paris this September. Love your posts and pictures.

JudyMac said...

Oh, how regal! Can't wait to take my own personal picture of His Majesty.

Clueless in Boston said...

It must have been very common in the 19th century to place lions in front of public buildings and inside too.

Anonymous said...

Very proud indeed! The patina the lions are wearing comes from years and years of weathering the outdoor elements. I love it!

Jack said...

Lions do indeed have a royal bearing. They amply deserve the name King of Beasts.

Starman said...

That "back door" is usually the entrance to some very good exhibits.

Alexa said...

Nice, Genie! My cat gets that same look on his face when he's feeling particularly arrogant.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

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

Sara Louise said...

He looks like he takes his job very seriously.