Tuesday, November 4, 2014

the caryatids


The caryatids were added to château Chenonceau by Catherine de Medici, but some 300 years later (around the 1860s) they were removed by Madame Pelouze. Today, they are on the grounds next to the maze.  The carytids portray Hercules, Athena Pallas, Apollo, and Cybele (not necessarily in that order).  The weather here today should be a lot like it was on the day I took this shot, with lots of overcast skies.

14 comments:

  1. The old Greek gods need a wash I think.

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  2. Definitely a moody shot. It intrigues me.

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  3. They look almost threatening in this shot!

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    1. Those Greed gods weren't known for their kindness.

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  4. Are they used as a gateway, Stuart? And why did Madame move them , pray tell? Because she could ... ?

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    1. Well, that and because she wanted to restore the château to its appearance of the 16th century before Catherine de Medici changed it. The latter had them installed on the facade of the château.

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  5. Ok, but where are Starbuck and Boomer?

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    1. I guess I'm showing my age (and tastes)... I had to look those folks up. I suppose if they had been around then, Catherine would have them as well.

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  6. On reconnait bien Hercule, avec sa massue, c'est assez difficile de situer les autres. La manie de restituer aux oeuvres d'art, leur apparence d'origine, ne date pas d'hier.

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    1. Je ne pouvais pas identifier les autres non plus. Je suppose que voire les dieux perdent leur identité au fil du temps.

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  7. Hey, I'm hoping I look that good when I'm 400.

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  8. On a grey day, it just seems right.

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