Thursday, August 11, 2011

Fascinating Clock


I could look at this clock for hours without being bored! If you visited Paris already, you probably know it's located in the Musée d'Orsay, this stunning museum that was previously a train station until it was closed (and almost destroyed) between 1958 and 1996. I have been unable to find out who made this clock, but I saw it's the only remain from the times this place was a station. Anyway, I had the opportunity to briefly go there (obviously around noon!) and, well, I took this photo thinking of you ;-)

30 comments:

  1. Gorgeous shot. The metals are sublime in their shapes and sheen.
    I'm over the moon for this image of noon!

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  2. It looks like a beautiful piece of jewelry to me.

    Now that I think of it, so does Paris, in my eyes.

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  3. I'm sharing ! This is indeed gorgeous... What a great opportunity you had.

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  4. It's beautiful! I'm not much on ornamental clocks but I like this one. It has a grand presence.

    Kris

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  5. Eric: I think it was Victor Laloux, the station's architect.

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  6. The clock is remarkably ornate and looks even more magnificent against the simple grid pattern behind it.

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  7. Sorry - you asked who *made* the clock. That I don't know. :p

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  8. This clock looks like a jewel. Thanks for thinking of us Eric!

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  9. I love this clock. I took several photos of it when I was there.

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  10. Eric: Did you try turning it around and seeing what's written on the back?

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  11. So very beautiful. I love Musée d'Orsay. Did you have lunch there ?

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  12. Gorgeous. Lovely. *Sigh* It looks like jewelry, steampunk jewelry, which is quite popular right now. I love it and can't wait to see it in person!!

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  13. Wonderful!
    http://flic.kr/p/6hLoH3
    When I visited the Museè, I remember it is possible to walk just behind the clock! Super!

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  14. Eric and Max, I love both of your pictures of this clock. What a contrast to have such an ornate antique item of circles within circles displayed against the plain geometrical lines on the wall. I would have moved it over a little more to the left:)ha!

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  15. Love this clock. Great photo too!

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  16. What a beautifully orate timepiece... captured well!

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  17. It's been five years since I was in Paris, but I would know that clock anywhere. Such a beautiful thing, from a time when people made things as often for beauty as for functionality.

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  18. This clock has become almost as iconic as the Eiffel Tower [for those of us lucky enough to have been inside to see it.]

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  19. I did recognize the clock! and I LOVE it and love it there, it has been so long since I have been to Paris and I want to go back badly!

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  20. Traduction (français > anglais)
    Aaah, how many days I had an eye on the screen for From 11:50 p.m. to 0:00 and some .... A time so special, where the picture of the day has had its day (served its purpose well!) And must give way to the photo of the day. Intense moment preceding the renewal. I love the moment ... the new photo is there. It's magic even now after all these days! How to understand that!? LOL. This is the secret of PDP. One!

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  21. Ooops ! I have to admit, I sometimes use Google traduction !! LOL !!! Not often but I think the result may be better than when I only use my words... Nobody's perfect ;)

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  22. Definitely one of the MOST beautiful clocks in the world! Even though I have admired it many times I have never taken a photo of it, and now I don't have to because I have access to a perfect shot of it thanks to you M. Tenin!! Merci!!

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  23. @tonton. I agree: the most beautiful clock in the world.

    @Max. I love our photo too - because the of the shadows behind the clock of course.

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  24. Eric, the clock is attributed to architect Victor Laloux. Laloux was chosen as winner of the Gare D'Orsay competition in 1898. He had just completed the Hôtel de Ville in Tours and I think I see a little similarity of design style in the pictures of the HDV in Tours and the Gare D'Orsay. I think he probably designed it (or at least that's how history has recorded it). The clock is inspired design and execution!

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  25. very nice wall clock. its not a wall clock its a house clock. great post

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  26. It is fun to stand in the passageways behind the clock. All of a sudden, you realize where you are.

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  27. It is fun to stand in the passageways behind the clock. All of a sudden, you realize where you are.

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