19 May 2009

Richard's Menton - the Parvis


In Richard's photo we are looking over a corner of the parvis (the square in front of the Basilica) down the rampes to the beach and the sea.

The mosaic decoration on the parvis was created in 1757 by Honoré III and is made of white and black stones formed in diamond shapes to depict the weapons of the princes. The rounded 'H' was the initial of the sovereign.

A few years ago - maybe seven, maybe more - we had terrible rains in November, just endless, and some of the rampes were badly damaged. Access was forbidden for months and eventually restoration was complete. It has been done well although one can tell the difference between the original stones and the new ones - perhaps not a suprise considering the difference in age and wear.

Of course you need none of this information to enjoy Richard's photograph.

10 comments:

  1. belle photo, on dirait un tapis de sable

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  2. What a beautifully balanced, geometric photo. I like it a lot.

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  3. The combination of the photo and the facts is a good one. Even better with the two people in the water.

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  4. Such great angels here and such a wonderfully, curious perspective. It plays little tricks with the brain.

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  5. Anonymous19 May, 2009

    Nice piece of history here. Like it, Dina's place in Jerusalem where they incorporated old Roman era paving stones. Remarkable.

    Gobsmacked

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  6. Richard certainly has talent. What a great time you all had!

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  7. Richard, another excellent shot. I agree, the human element was needed here. Wow.
    V

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  8. My goodness, Jilly. You've drafted the very best of guest bloggers. I would be happy to have taken any one of these photos. You must have had a wonderful time.

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  9. The mosaic looks like a carpet!

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  10. Interesting and great shot! I like it!

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