Frozen in Stone, a photo from Pisa, Tuscany

Photographer's Note

The Pisa Duomo complex is one of the finest examples of a fully formed cathedral complex. This detail shows a side of the Baptistery, the largest in the world. It was begun in 1152. The facade is covered in these ornate column capitals, busts, and delicate tracery. The building was was worked on by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano who also carved the pulpit under the 75 meter tall cupola of the baptistery.

This small bust is actually quite large. When you look at it in comparison to people here you can see it's actually at least as tall as an average person. I really liked the way these sculptures seem so soft and animated in such contrast to the material from which they are carved.

bertolucci, papagolf21, kajenn, jhm, CVTJan, Rinie_Hoff, digi-mom has marked this note useful

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bertolucci (14052) 2004-04-10 13:32

Back in Italy! This looks very nice. I like the detail and angle of your composition. The delicacy of the artful treatment of the stone is rendered very well. You do is justice. I also like the small colour palet. Ver nicely done, Paul!

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papagolf21 (152605) 2004-04-10 14:40

Paul nous voyons а travers vos photos que vous aimez l'Art, l'histoire et tout ce qui touche au passй. Vous savez faire ressortir par vos clichйs une вme et cela compte beaucoup.
Trиs belle prise de vue mettant en valeur ces superbes sculptures, ces dentelles de pierre. Nos aоnйs avaient du talent.
Merci Paul pour vos qualitйs photographiques et historiques.
Paul we see through your photographs that you like l'Art, l'histoire and all that touches with the past. You can emphasize by your stereotypes a heart and that counts much. Very beautiful catch of sight emphasizing these superb sculptures, these laces of stone. Our elder had talent. Thank you Paul for your photographic and historical qualities.

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kajenn (2462) 2004-04-10 19:26

I totally agree with you, Paul, the Pisa Duomo complex is one of the finest in the world. Even if the tower didn't lean it would be worth a visit. And, although the tower is nice and remarkable, I think the most beautiful of the buildings is the Baptistery. It's really outstanding in decoration and beauty.
This is well shown in your picture. The pillars, the arches, the busts, the colors and the extended carvings. I like the upward angle (always do) and the light playing in all the details, showing them with great clarity.

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CVTJan (1244) 2004-04-11 3:32

Dear Paul, this time I think you have too many details here and some of them are cut like the column at the bottom left. A little bit more space to the left would enhance the composition. Yours, Jan

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jhm (211734) 2004-04-11 5:51

Beautiful architecture an artwork Paul, I like the detail and angle of your composition. Happy Easter!

wilkinsonsg (8662) 2004-04-11 6:14

one does not appear 'hard' due to the detail in the carvings/lighting ,well spotted.

flip89 (3418) 2004-04-11 10:57

I like the shadows here. The natural lighting creates high impact, high contrast and therefore high drama emphasizing form and detail of the architecture. It's difficult to photograph intricate designs but you did it very well by exploiting shadows and light.

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Rinie_Hoff (9340) 2004-04-12 5:12

Very nice close up of the Baptistery, very sharp, thus the details are very good visible. Very nice composition. You present it in a way (also the 'view of Pisa), that I want to go back and have a good look at it. I have more or less just passed by, not enough time. But I will return!