Photographer's Note
The Abbey of Saint-Etienne, also known as Abbaye aux Hommes ("Men's Abbey"), is a former abbey church in the French city of Caen, Normandy. Dedicated to Saint Stephen ("Saint Étienne"), it is considered, along with the neighbouring Abbaye aux Dames ("Ladies' Abbey"), to be one of the most notable Romanesque buildings in Normandy.
Built in Caen stone during the 11th century, the two semi-completed churches stood for many decades in competition. An important feature added to both churches in about 1120 was the ribbed vault, used for the first time in France. The two abbey churches are considered forerunners of the Gothic. The original Romanesque apse was replaced in 1166 by an early Gothic chevet, complete with rosette windows and flying buttresses. Nine towers and spires were added in the 13th century. The interior vaulting shows a similar progression, beginning with early sexpartite vaulting (using circular ribs) in the nave and progressing to quadipartite vaults (using pointed ribs) in the sanctuary.
The two monasteries were finally donated by William the Conqueror and his wife, Matilda of Flanders, as penalty for their marriage against the Pope's ruling. William was buried here; Matilda was buried in the Abbaye aux Dames. Unfortunately William's original tombstone of black marble, the same kind as Matilda's in the Abbaye aux Dames, was destroyed by the Calvinist iconoclasts in the 16th century and his bones scattered.
As a consequence of the Wars of Religion, the high lantern tower in the middle of the church collapsed and was never rebuilt.
snunney, gildasjan, papagolf21, Budapestman ha contrassegnato questa nota come utile
Critiques | Translate
Guenther
(10915) 2012-09-05 7:59
Hi Aleksander,
this is quite a composition! The contrast between the modern bikes and the gorgeous ancient architecture is appealing... I like also the strong perspective effect on the bikes, very well chosen POV!
Have a nice evening
Günther
dta
(98848) 2012-09-05 8:03
Hello Aleksander ,
On original presentation of the old abbey , for sure . I like the efffect and the superb DOF .
Regards
snunney
(130967) 2012-09-05 8:33
Hello Alexander,
A most unusual image and a very successful one. The composition is nicely balanced between the bikes and the magnificent architecture; depth of field and clarity are both superb. Very innovative.
korbee
(6619) 2012-09-05 10:04
A very good plan Indeed Alexander,this is a fine composition and it could be a good sample poster for this campain of the bicycles.
For a Dutch very experienced biker(45 y)they look a bit funny ;=]]
jan
gildasjan
(43826) 2012-09-05 11:42
Bonsoir Alexander
Très bonne perspective de ces vélos superbement alignés et l'architecture de l'arrière plan attire également notre regard.
Bonne soirée
Amicalement
gildas
yaya13baut
(3344) 2012-09-05 11:43
hi Alexander,
original POV on the abbey thanks to the bikes perspective leading the eye to the buildong in the background.
well done.
Yannis
papagolf21
(152605) 2012-09-05 14:38
Bonsoir, cher Alexander,
Très heureux de revoir vos photographies sur le site.
Mission réussie quant à cette composition. Un mélange subtile entre l'ancien et le moderne.
Un cadrage très soigné et fort bien pensé.
Amitiés.
Philippe
emka
(157280) 2012-09-05 22:12
Hi Alexander, I am happy when I see here someone after a long break :). Beautiful old abbey but really eyecatching is the perspective of these bikes. Fantastic observation.
Warm regrads
MAlgo
Budapestman
(82620) 2012-09-06 8:24
Hi Alexander,
a superb photo with effective POV and beautiful architectural details, the colours and lights are splendid, Tfs! Have a nice week! Kellemes hetet kívánok!
György
Ps: Thank you for your kind words to my 1700th post
holmertz
(101980) 2012-09-06 12:31
Hello Alexander,
I like this original way of looking at a medieval church. It combines new and old aspects of the city and gives us a glimpse of a changing way of life. The bikes have also crated a strong diagonal that cuts the composiion in two halves.
Well done,
Regards,
Gert
bostankorkulugu
(42866) 2012-09-07 9:12
this is truly stunning... nice to see you around alex...
krkt
maria-v1981
(10966) 2012-09-21 3:54
Hello Alexander,
Impressive perspective here. I like the effect on the bycicles as they recede into the distance. Excellent sharpness and wonderful lighing on the buildings.
Have a nice evening,
Regards,
Maria
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Alexander Pasternak (pasternak)
(15185)
- Genre: Luoghi
- Medium: Colore
- Date Taken: 2012-07-20
- Categories: Transporti, Architettura
- Camera: Canon EOS 350D, Sigma 18-200 f3.5-6.3
- Esposizione: f/14.0, 1/500 secondi
- More Photo Info: view
- Versione Foto: Versione Originale
- Date Submitted: 2012-09-05 7:51