Monday, June 08, 2009

Saint Augustin Church


I never showed you this church and though I pass by it quite often. I actually never found the right angle. And last night, on the way back home at dusk, I saw this and decided it was the angle I was looking for. Saint-Augustin church was built between 1860-1871 by Victor Baltard (to whom we also owe the Baltard pavilion). It is almost 100 meter long and it's one of the first sizable buildings in Paris constructed around a metal frame.

35 comments:

  1. Quite a stunning shot... I'd say you waited for the perfect time. Love the blue!

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  2. In the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, we have a Vuillard painting of Place St. Augustine. In 2005, I sat with two pals viewing the same building that Vuillard painted. It was really fun.

    Birdman beat me by seconds! He must be flying!

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  3. The dark silhouette against that blue sky is beautiful.

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  4. Beautiful. I love the big roof and the small one in harmony. And the light.
    It was worth waiting the good angle, eric. Ok, I know, this compliment may sound a little too easy!
    But it is true...isnt'it? :)

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  5. Birdman GF!

    Very eery shot Eric. Almost expect bats to come flying out from the buidings.

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  6. Saint Augustin is one of my favorite places in Paris. I love specially its stained glass windows. Wonderful shot!

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  7. I love how you composed this. The sky is lovely.

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  8. That's a classy silhouette. Lovely composition.

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  9. I'm glad you waited to take this shot. Perfect.

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  10. It was worth the wait. It is a gorgeous shot.

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  11. Along with Babooshka’s “classy” the term classic silhouette could be added. Great balance between positive and negative space. Those halftone highlights within the black add a lot.

    Although this is fabulous as is I can’t help wanting to laser-cut the black out (or spend a week with an X-acto knife), then mount it on a blue background marbled as closely as possible like the sky in the photo. Framed and hung on the wall it would be ageless.

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  12. "Birdman" as GF!!! Charlie Parker is no doubt smiling from the great blue sky beyond...a sky that probably looks like yours in this photo, Eric. It's the kind of blue with a perfect touch of the mysterioso that Miles would appreciate too.

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  13. Wonderful shot, wonderful composition. Worth the wait.

    I know the feeling--I know it's worth a photo, but it's as though the best angle or light or time of day doesn't present itself at first. I pass a place a hundred times until one day I see it with different eyes. Better hope I have my camera with me then.

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  14. This looks just like a papercutting; beautiful, stunning.... I agree this was worth the wait.

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  15. This striking photo reminds me of a particular Magritte painting. If I have the time, I will try to research which one.

    My records show that Birdman swooped in as first, but Jeff got the gold as GF!

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  16. Ta daaaa. There are a number of Magritte paintings called "The Empire of Light".He said he was trying to show "a nocturnal landscape and skyscape such as can be seen in broad daylight. This evocation of night and day seems to have the power to surprise and delight. I call this the power of poetry".

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  17. A wonderful silhouette against a pretty lavender sky! The church must look awesome in the daylight too.

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  18. Actually, this is true, Phx, a stickler for the rules as ever. I concur. Yay Jeff GF!

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  19. This is a lovely photo. I've been in this church!

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  20. Oh yes, Bettina, a paper-cutting is a great description. Such a pretty evening sky.

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  21. BIRDMAN has my GF vote...give or take an ellipsis mark, my jazz bias, and b/c his profile photo ROCKS! ;-)

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  22. When my window opens, Birdman's comments is three lines. Stretch it, and less. Whatever. It's fun, but the most fun is viewing the photos and experiencing everybody's experiences in viewing the photos. It's all good.

    Hey: anyone been to the Bahamas? Looking for Nassau advice for a three-day weekend. Open to suggestions.

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  23. Like Sharon, I have been in this church and whilst it's large and imposing, I don't think it could be described as 'beautiful'.

    However, Eric, by finding the right angle, you have produced a very flattering photo of the old girl.

    Perhap this skill could be put to good use elsewhere? (Not required for the gorgeous PDP ladies, of course!)

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  24. Got away with that last line by the skin of your teeth, Drummond!

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  25. Phew! that was a close one!

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  26. Loool Drummond...

    Lucky you Jeff; going to the Bahamas.

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  27. Quickly changing the subject,

    Coltrane - you have a GF vote?
    Do we all get one?
    Is democracy on its way?
    Will the authorities ruthlessly quash this uprising? (PHX?)

    We await future developments with interest.

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  28. No I'm pretty sure Phx will concur, after having read the Constitution, there is no vote I'm afraid. The rule for achieving the coveted GF status is two full lines of typing about the subject of Eric's photo - that's each line reaching the end of the box lol. Now come on, Children, don't bend the rules... Phx and I don't live in this box, but rest assured....we are always watching! ;)

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  29. I always considered myself a proletarian!!!!!!At least my paycheck makes me one!

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  30. Drummond...it's Paris! There's always revolution in the air! ;-)

    PHX...proletarian, eh? Talk about revolutionaries! ;-) You know I'm just jesting with ya. Move over Karl Marx, there's a new gal in town. LOL

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  31. You guys are cute!! But don't mess with the 2 Lynns,giggle!

    We had just left the Picasso museum,and out of all the buses I could have taken today, I was on the one that passed by Eric's photo on May 28th!

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  32. lol les deux Lynns...:) I'm trying to summon a wicked laugh but I'm just giggling uselessly.

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