Saturday, January 31, 2009

Jean de Lattre de Tassigny


I attended a conference at the Dauphine University this (Friday) morning and next to the university, I found this sculpture in honor of Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny. He was a French war hero who fought during World War I and II and the war of Indochina where he lost his only son. As you can see, we're having fabulous weather in Paris at the moment. I hope it'll stay that way this weekend as I have important photos to take ;-)

23 comments:

  1. I like it! The lettering intrigues me, it seems to cover across one proud part of the plinth if you see what I mean?

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  2. By the way the temperature drops tomorrow night in the UK at least, to -1 C and we are due SNOW again next week!! I'm guessing it will be similar for you so make the most of that sun. :)

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  3. Hey the weather looks so Springlike. It won't be long, eh? I did not know of this war hero...fascinating. So many stories, so many lives lost. Enjoy the sunshine and congrats Lynn.

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  4. Hey Lynn...I didn't mean to cut into your dance. ;-)

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  5. lol that's ok Coltrane. I was kind of uncomfortable being excited at GF but noting the sadness of a loss of life, so it's a good thing we did it between us.

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  6. I love the solemnity of this bust and the proportions between it and the wall behind.
    I can feel a cool, peaceful atmosphere. Something out of the time, out of the rush.

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  7. GF Lynn!
    And sweet coltrane right underneath in the warm spot.

    I must say that's one hell of an impressive tribute. One look and I could tell he was an honored war hero. The artist in me really likes is the texture of the wall. Looks like an ocean from far above.

    I can't wait to see your "important photos" Eric!

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  8. Yessss what are they? I think I can guess those important photos. I'm going to be patient though. ;)

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  9. He looks like such a proud man, yet one with sadness about him as well.

    Nice photo, Eric.

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  10. I like this bust very much. I presume it's a good likeness, with the artist expressing an opinion as well. Look how broad the shoulders are, how direct the lettering. I notice there are fresh flowers, too!

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  11. Even in the tiny thumbnail view of this in my Follow list I could tell the photo was special. I love the split of light and shadow here.

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  12. He does look sad, Christie - the things he must have seen - so much captured in this beautiful monument of respect. And the balance and shadow - quite breathtaking, Eric.

    On a lighter note, that's a lovely little dance you did, Lynn and Coltrane!

    Lynn, we use degrees celsius in Australia so I imagine you use the same in the UK since we get all our good habits from you ;) ?

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  13. What a nice thing to say Shell! Well currently yes we use C but I was brought up using F so I get confused sometimes! I'm an 'old money' girl.
    By the way I'm designing my crown on FB - all welcome to come and help! lol. So far it has diamonds, chocolate, champagne, perfume and to honour today's pic I shall wear it on my bust. Pah!

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  14. I shall eat some dark chocolate in your honour, Lynn! {Though I confess, I never need an excuse...}

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  15. Congrats to the first winner of the GF award!

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  16. Yes, congrats to the first winner of GF, from the second (sort of). You & coltrane are pretty cute.
    Agree with Christie that he does look a bit sad—but also very determined.
    Eric -- Like Lynn, I think I know what (or who?) you're photographing this weekend, but I'll be patient too.

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  17. I like the balance and symetry. Always something unusual at PDP.

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  18. Thanks Phx & Alexa! My crown's awfully heavy...but I'm glittering beautifully.

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  19. Lynn - how about some tiny crystal icicles in honour of the weather?

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  20. Isnt'it quite unusual to have a naked bust as a statue of a Marechal who lived during the last century -and not during the Antiquity ? I do think it is. Actually this makes him be more modern and special than any other statue of a Marechal.
    That's the man we are given to see here.

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