Thursday, February 27, 2014

Palais Garnier



Palais Garnier


I daresay the first time (or two) that you explore Palais Garnier 
you are more focused on the enormity and grandeur of the whole, 
but do not forget about the ceilings.  
The artistry is stunning with an ample application of gilt and detail.


Certainly, I would keep an eye on the chandeliers 
as you recall the history of one which fell.  
The phantom may be gone 
but the chandelier in my photo has an eerie tilt.



Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris
 

15 comments:

Randy said...

Very beautiful decor.

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Genie,

Amazingly, we have never been inside the Paris Opera House and, also, we have never seen the Phantom of the Opera! Now, whilst we believe that we could easily survive without ever seeing the 'Phantom', your post has reminded us that a return to Paris is long overdue and, once there we really must get into the Palais Garnier.

The ceiling detail which you highlight here is wonderfully over the top. Perfect for its situation and just the right amount of patina now to really give it the feeling of opulence without the brashness of the newly or overly gilded. Lovely!

And, as for the chandelier at the rakish angle......well.....strange things do happen!

Joe said...

Best photographed from a jaunty side angle rather than from directly below Genie. The majesty of the architecture is breathtaking.

Stuart said...

Beautifully composed shot !

Deb said...

Haunting photo (no pun intended). I can imagine myself stumbling over everything because I'd be so busy looking up!

Revrunner said...

Lovely exposure.

M said...

Magnificent! The ceiling is lavish and I love the angle of the chandelier. As I gaze at your photo I hear the strains of Phantom's music .... Exquisite!

Sylvia K said...

Fantastic!! And, yes, I hear the strains of the Phantom's music as well!! Terrific capture, Genie, as always! I do love the detail!! Have a great weekend!

Sylvia

William Kendall said...

That is a gorgeous ceiling.

Rumour has it the Phantom only shows up once a year on the twelfth day of the twelfth month.

Alexa said...

In fact, my very first thought when I opened this post was . . . Phantom! It's a great shot, Genie --

Anonymous said...

Such beauty!!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

So glad to hear the comments about this ceiling (and chandelier) as I am just taken with Palais Garnier, and would love to spend the night among the statues hoping to hear the night music. Would you be frightened?

Merci beaucoup,
Genie

Alain said...

Il semble se balancer comme un pendule. Les lustres des théâtres m'ont toujours beaucoup impressionné, et je n'apprécie guère de me trouver assis juste en dessous.

Jack said...

Oooohhhhh, this ceiling and chandelier are beauties! Love 'em.

You need to tell Jane and Lance from up above that it is not either Paris or the Phantom. They should see both. The Phantom is a cultural icon. Not seeing it is kind of like skipping Downton Abbey. What do you talk to your friends about?

Anonymous said...

I see a beautiful tapestry. Lush gold and black. I see it in hanging in a music room.