This colorful creature sits atop a covering over a well right in front of Clos Lucé. I have found no explanation of it, but I am pretty sure it represents the salamander (now known as a lizard) of King Francis I who used it as one of his royal symbols. The crown levitating overhead sorta supports that theory. Now what I can't explain, or even guess, is why it appears to be walking through a mine field !
Yes, it's François I's salamander. The salamander was said to be able to extinguish fire with the frigidity of its body. Very colourful. I still have to go back to Clos Lucé.
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing that explanation. I had never heard that. What a skill to have !
DeleteLOL! I love your description. I wouldn't have noticed the tiny explosions had you not pointed them out!
ReplyDeleteWell, it's all explained by the previous comment, so I can put away the mine field question. Although it would have been a more fun explanation.
Delete... or why he's not looking where he's going! Love the outstretched toes.
ReplyDeleteHe's had enough questions and he's saying "talk to the paw".
DeleteVery brave!
ReplyDeleteI clearly am not afraid to get up close and personal with lizards (as evidenced by earlier posts) !
Deletei really like that! so cute!
ReplyDeleteYeah there's just not enough whimsy in public art.
DeleteIt has a whimsical look to it!
ReplyDeleteAh, you took the words right out of my mouth (as evidenced by previous response) !
DeleteNice creature :)
ReplyDeleteThe mines should be flowers, no?
According to my friend Rosemary (in the very first comment today), it's fire. So given a choice I'd rather he stomp on flowers !
DeleteI immediately thought of the fire, related to this royal salamander..
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I've managed to miss this little historical detail. But I'm happy I know now !
DeleteI would definitely say it's a salamandre. A very green one!
ReplyDeleteVery royal judgement you have !
DeleteLe sculpteur est Fernand Martin-Dumagny.
ReplyDeleteclic !
Merci pour cette information. Je vois qu'il y a une exposition de son travail commence juillet à la mediatheque. C'est bien parce que je ne connais pas son autre travail.
DeleteFire at his feet instead of flames from the nostrils.... Phew it's definitely not a dragon Stuart.. no sword required. Was interesting to read comments above..
ReplyDeleteFor once frigidity of the body pays off !
Delete