Notre Dame la Grande, Poitiers (Vienne)

... this is Notre Dame la Grande in Poitiers. This shot displays the downward thrust from

the arches supporting the dome, their thickness and solidity that still manage to gracefully

convey the weight of the dome down to the pillars. Notice how even the soffit, the

underside of the arch, is painted beautifully. This shot is part of an extended series on

Romanesque churches in France that can be seen in my portfolio, and to which I will be

adding continuously over time.

Dennis, this is very interesting. This has a hyper-real kind of feeling to it. It's somber and a little spooky, yet solmenly beautiful at the same time. The light on the capitals is great. The wear on the artwork is fascinating, too, as quite a bit of details has been lost, yet what remains is curious. You've got a fantastic amount of detail in this shot that's very nicely done. Regards, Maria

... this is an enormously moving Poitevin church, a perfect representative of that style. The entire Western facade is covered with beautiful carvings and the interior is beautifully painted. Most, as you can see in the dome, are pretty worn out, but some in better condition (and even restored). I'm glad you like this shot and this church. It is one of my favorites. You might look at the image in the "Favorites" folder, the shot of the south side aisle. That one really gives you the feeling of the church.

Dennis, now that I'm back in town, I'm catching up on all my follow-up comments.

 

I checked the other photo you refer to in your favorites folder. That other photo certainly is magnificent and appears almost as though you hand-painted the physical scene, THEN photographed it, if that makes sense.

 

There's something about this one, though. I felt a bit of a rush when I clicked on it and it first opened. I feel like the history of the place flashed before my eyes. I really like this one and I am surprised that I am the first to comment after all this time.

 

Regards,

Maria

... you are right about both points. The side aisle shot does look like a painting, and this one gives one a rush. I've always been surprised that people have ignored this shot which shows the chancel dome back to the oven vault of the apse. It is a glorious sight in reality, and I am very glad it pleases you in this photograph.