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Every Square Inch is a Masterpiece

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This is one of the most incredible buildings I’ve ever seen.

Building Study 004: Notre Dame de Paris, 1163-1345.

I’ve visited Notre-Dame de Paris on two occasions. Both times I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed. It’s one of the most breathtaking spaces I’ve ever stood in.  Check out my photo-essay to see a broader study of architecture and urban space in Paris.

Standing inside the cathedral created in me an actual bodily reaction. But I’m not a holder of religious beliefs; my reaction wasn’t spiritual – it was born out of the atmosphere and character of that space! The interior of the building has an air of the sublime. It is simultaneously soaring and majestic; while being serene and elegant too…

It is mighty and intimate at exactly the same time.

The ornate, sculptural carvings which envelope the facade create a dramatic and expressive narrative – a story which sits in pleasing synergy with the muscular and robust form of the building. As a whole; it has a spectacular urban presence, but, thanks to the evocative storytelling which adorns the walls; there is also an immediate, humane quality to this wonderful landmark.

Given the richness and complexity of the spatial moments created externally and internally by the building; it’s interesting to consider a delightful, simple truth. It’s just stone; and glass.

Those materials have been crafted in to something which transcends the ordinary physical qualities of the built environment; to form an object of compelling and memorable beauty.

View from café on  Quai de Montebello.
View from Pont Saint-Michel.
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The west façade (wonky composite of twelve photographs).
Flying buttresses on the south-east corner.
Exterior detail 01. North façade.
Looking up, from Square Jean XXIII.
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Exterior detail 02. North façade.
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Interior.
Interior detail 01.
Interior detail 02.
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Interior detail 03. North façade Rose Window.
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Exterior detail 03. West façade.
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Exterior detail 04. West façade.

 

51 thoughts on “Every Square Inch is a Masterpiece”

  1. Pingback: Paris: A Photo-Essay

  3. You are of course correct in every frame . The whole of Paris , most of it planned , is breathtaking in design and spellbinding. It is a walkers paradise with pleasant surprises around every corner. And the food is wonderful!

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  4. WOW! What a marvel! The detail and craftsman ship is remarkable. Love the title picture, threw the eyes off for a moment trying to find the equilibrium. The stained glass is the most impressive by far I’ve ever seen. SO cool to take a visual vacation through your lens. Each picture is a different kind of feast for the eyes-what a great eye you have.

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  11. I love Notre Dame too. It’s my favorite. Wonderful photos. I didn’t understand what you meant by “wonky composition of twelve photographs”… Did you stitch 12 together?

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  26. I do enjoy elements of Gothic architecture, the pointed arches and the windows and the flying buttresses. In Paris, I actually prefer the Sacre Coeur but my favourite cathedral of all is St Pauls Cathedral in London. Have you seen the amazing windows in the Saint Chappelle in Paris?

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