Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Palais Garnier - colonne rostrale



The rostral columns of Palais Garnier


The entrance to Pavillon du Chef de l'Etat (House of the Head of State),
which was turned into the Musée de Opéra on the western facade
of Opéra National de Paris Garnier,
is framed by two granite columns by Henri Alfred Jacquemart,
adorned with lamps and the masts of ships. 
The bows of the four ships appear to have eyes.


Although other portions of this exquisite heritage site
have been restored since it was built in 1875,
the ceinture de lumière (belt of light) encircling the building has not. 
Earlier this year an appeal was made to the public
to adopt one of the 22 lampadaires, 2 candélabres, 22 cariatides, and 14 columns. 
The details of the rostral columns and the musical instrument-themed street lamps
on the opposite side of the opera house are stunning.


This is my entry for City Daily Photo Blogs Theme Day
-DETAILS-


Click here to see the entries of other
City Daily Photo Blogs around the world.



Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

16 comments:

Alain said...

Les lanternes auraient besoin d'être restaurées.

Ann said...

Beautiful!
Love the interesting details of this column.

Joe said...

Detailed as well as ornate Genie. This light sure makes a statement.

Hilda said...

It is unusual and gorgeous! I hope the belt of light finds benefactors. If this is just a sample of the other lights, it would be awesome to see when they are all restored.

M said...

Maybe all of the Paris bloggers and followers can get together an adopt one. I would love to see them restored and maintained. Such creative attention to detail! Lovely photo!

s.c said...

Great details. I would like to see a modern lamppost with the kind of details as are used here but with cars and perhaps airplanes what a sight would that be.

Tanya Breese said...

wow, so much detail in these...they look a little dangerous too!

Jeanie said...

I love Palais Garnier -- the whole building seems to be a tribute to the muses of music. These DO remind me a bit of those spiked balls on chains used as medieval weapons!

Virginia said...

I have never been inside but I will take care of that this trip!. Lovely details of a lovely place.
V

RedPat said...

I have just returned from Paris and saw these wonderful posts but didn't know the history. Wonderful!

Jack said...

Lovely details, Genie.

Randy said...

I would not want to brush up against those spikes.

Cezar and Léia said...

My kind of composition!Love these details, your picture is excellent!
Léia

Alexa said...

I learn so much from you, Genie! And I hope lots of sponsors come forward—these things deserve to be well cared for.

Starman said...

The detail is exquisite!

Leovi said...

Very cute details, nice photos!