Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Un chat, un cocker, et des salamandres



A cat, a dog, and many salamanders


A sense of humor by the architect (Bastier) is seen as the two pets perch above the door, keeping watch on all those who walk beneath.  The bottom tiles on either side of the door are signed by "Bigot" on the left and by "A and M Turin" on the right.  The permit for the building was dated 1903.  


Now, I found this entrance delightfully whimsical, worthy of observation and photographing.  It was interesting that a man walked up to me and said that he had lived in the neighborhood on this quiet street for over 30 years and had never noticed this doorway or the one just like it next door.  He watched me looking up and snapping with my camera.  Otherwise, he might still have not noticed.  We exchanged pleasantries and remarked that often we do not notice what treasures surround us.


He thanked me for the discovery, and we went our separate ways.



76-78, rue Mademoiselle
75015, Paris
Métros Vaugirard et Volontaires
(we were on Vélibs)
 

23 comments:

Sylvia K said...

A great reminder, Genie, to be aware and appreciate our surroundings! Delightful captures as always! Hope your week is going well!

Hugs
Sylvia

Vreni said...

Beautiful ornaments and a nice story with Monsieur!

Malyss said...

That's why it's so interesting to see our own world through someone else's eyes!People coming from somewhere else always notice details that we don't see anymore.I like those pets above the door!

Pat said...

That is an absolutely beautiful door and entrance. Was the salamander not the symbol of Francois 1er? That rings a distant bell...

Anyway, good shot, and so true about not seeing what's around us, at least for most people, except us photobloggers....;<)

Joe said...

Such a creative doorway Genie. Modern architecture just doesn't seem to have the same sense of beauty.

Alain said...

Ils donnent l'impression d'être prêts à vous sauter dessus.

Shell Sherree said...

It's charming, Genie ~ fancy the gentleman not noticing such a sweet detail in all this time. I guess it's a good reminder that we can all too easily overlook the beauty hiding in plain sight right under our noses. I hope you're having a beautiful week, my sweet.

s.c said...

And do you know what is very funny. In Pompei you can find a similar door list of white marble with some more animals but of the same principle and also with lizards and insects.

brattcat said...

a wonderful story, genie! thank you for sharing it with us.

French Girl in Seattle said...

See? Tourists bring more to a big city than their hard-earned currency :-) They help locals discover unearthed treasures too! Félicitations, Genie. Teaching a Parisian something is a feat. They have usually "seen it all and done it all!" Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Lynne with an e said...

How wonderful that you removed the blinders from that man's eyes! Amazing how we can live blind to the magic that surrounds us.

Kristie said...

Interesting and unusual for sure! So many times we walk right by something and never give it a second thought. I'm wondering if I would have walked by this entry way and noticed what you did? Humm

Alexa said...

You don't miss a trick, Genie! I'm glad you were rewarded for your excellent "eye" with a pleasant encounter too. Next time I'm lucky enough to get to Paris, I'm going to look at every single doorway I pass.

Starman said...

Your new friend must have been very pre-occupied to have walked past two buildings for thirty years and never noticed them. Even I would have noticed at some point!

Dianne said...

Yes Genie ...Paris is a city where it pays to look up especially if you have a camera in hand. Amazing that man had never noticed this door-way but they have a wealth of beauty in that city.

Randy said...

Now that's an interesting doorway.

Jack said...

It is a fabulous doorway, with a lot of special animal charm.

And, your story about the man who approached you is terrific. I tell people all the time that the two best reasons for me to do a blog are that, first, I can't do it if I am lazy and stay home, and, second, when I am looking for photographic subjects, I find that I look far more closely than I ever did before I started lugging a camera around with me.

M said...

Wonderful photo, capture and story!

Virginia said...

I made that same observation about a restored theatre here. As a teenager I visited it almost every Sat. and never really noticed the drop dead chandeliers!!!
V

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I've often wondered about this Genie. I think often times we really don't see the treasures around us. How could he not notice this door, it's just so much fun, j'adore the watchers atop the door. Thank goodness you didn't miss it Genie.

Mary said...

I don't pay enough attention to what's right in my hometown sometimes. I have to remind myself. Often i'm pleasantly surprised. :) This is a wonderful doorway, and a beautiful photo!

Louise said...

It's very true that we often don't notice the beauty that surrounds us. What fantastic doors!

McDoodle said...

Heureusement, nous ne somme pas tous comme Monsieur. Que de belles portes à Paris ! Vos photos sont très belles et me donnent le goût d'y retourner.
Merci pour votre visite chez Défifoto. Bises back.