Misc Redeux Redeux - Female Statue

I know nothing about this photograph, other than that I love it. I am not even sure where I took it. Somewhere between Printemps and Café de la Paix. It feels very French to me, the way the woman stands tall, despite being tethered. It reminds me of Les Francais themselves - they are tethered to their past and to their culture in a way many modern societies are not, and yet, they stand tall, not afraid to be themselves. 

Remembering - Fire

Another remembrance of the Holocaust in Paris, this statue depicts the victims being burned in the fire. Situated in the middle of a small park that is simultaneously heart-rending and somehow peaceful.

Remembering - Les Enfants

Another memorial to Parisian children lost to the Holocaust. This one lists 13 children (from one to five years of age) who were sent to Auschwitz from 1942 - 1944 from the 5th arrondissement in Paris.
This memorial was established five years ago today.

Statues Anciennes - Place de la Concorde

One of the naiads, or water nymphs, who presides over the fountain at the Place de la Concorde. Built during the time of Louis Philippe (1830-1848), they were designed by German architect Jacques-Ignace Hittorff.

I love the contrast between the dark bronze of their bodies and the bright, shiny gold of the fish and their adornments. 

Statues Anciennes - Louis XIII

This statue of Louis XIII can be found at Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. Originally called Place Royale, the square was officially inaugurated in 1612. In 1639 an equestrian statue of King Louis XIII was erected at the center of the square. It was destroyed during the French Revolution and this new statue of King Louis XIII was installed in 1825.

 

The "new" version of this statue is almost two thousand years old. Gotta love Paris!

 

Statues Anciennes - Jeanne d'Arc

Saint Joan of Arc in full battle mode as she must have looked fighting for her country during the Hundred Year's War. This is not the most famous statue of her in Paris, but it's my favorite. This one can be found outside the Église Saint-Augustin de Paris in the eighth arrondissement.

[I got information about this statue from my new favorite website, parisdailyphoto.com. Check it out!]

Statues Moderne - Rhino

This rhino stands guard outside the Musée d'Orsay and I couldn't imagine a more imposing figure to guard some of the world's most famous art.

Next week, more statues from Paris....

Statues Modernes - Protest

I am actually not sure what is going on in this statue. There was no sign, no explanation, just three figures inside a gate, outside a church. They remind me of Seattle's "Hammering Man" and that makes me think perhaps they are union workers, rallying for change, demanding their rights. What do you think?

Statues Modernes - Party

I took this shot from across the street. I looked up and saw what looked like a party on this tiny balcony. I love the idea that there is always fun happening outside this window. I imagine that the person who lives here does too.

La Défense - Mod Men

And these are the men of La Défense. Modern Men. Business Men. "Suits." I love the way their suits are not just clothes, but a part of their bodies, integral to who they are.

Next week....more art from Paris!

Happy 4th of July - La Liberté éclairant le monde!

We interrupt the regularly scheduled topic to bring you this special 4th of July post....

The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World - La Liberté éclairant le monde) was a gift to the United States from the people of France in 1886. She represents the Roman Goddess of Freedom (Libertas) and on the tablet she holds is inscribed the date of the American Declaration of Independence which we celebrate today.

This replica of the Statue of Liberty can be seen outside the Musée des Arts et Métiers (Museum of Arts and Crafts). It is one of three replicas in Paris and many replicas across the globe. 

Happy 4th of July Lady Liberty!

L'Orangerie - Le Baiser

A reproduction of Auguste Rodin's Le Baiser (The Kiss) stands just outside L'Orangerie. It strikes me as very French that as you leave the museum the last thing you see is one of the masterworks of Impressionist sculpture.