Tatiana's Tea Room: Take Two
Business Announcements
very nice
Forum Activity for @aldo-stern
Closer Connections: Duché de Coeur & Rocca Sorrentina
Communty News & Events
we're very excited about this plan, which we think will be beneficial to both communities. we are very appreciative of how Skye, Bedrich and Tatiana are open to working with us in a cooperative enterprise like this. It has been a very positive and enjoyable process.
The Gabriel Chandelier, first permanent installation of contemporary artwork in Versailles
Art & Architecture
Another factor could be your point of view as well as the time of day. Some things look very different depending on where you stand how close you stand to them when viewing. Here are three different views of the piece:
by the way, just for sake of comparison, here is what was used for lighting in the space before:
The Gabriel Chandelier, first permanent installation of contemporary artwork in Versailles
Art & Architecture
An interesting example, thank you for sharing that Signor Conte.
Actually I think this one works: first of all the geometric shape of the fixture complements and arguably reinterprets the symmetrical formalism of the neoclassical room; then you add in the geometric carpet (which has s certain formality of its own), and the utilitarian modern furnishings, the overall effect is a fun and functional whole.
Sometimes interesting things happen when the right contemporary piece is placed in an historic environment. Below is Dale Chihuly's chandelier in the rotunda of the Victoria & Albert.
of course, the information booth is modern as well, so it is a bit more of an integrated approach than what was done with the Gabriel staircase. In fact, as I said, I could see a Chihuly chandelier (possibly in white) working rather well in a place like the Gabriel staircase, in part because his pieces do have a certain form of bizarre symmetry, as well as a complexity that reflects the complexity of certain historical styles. They also represent a massive amount of time and skill that the fabricators put into creating something like a Chihuly chandelier. The piece at Versailles looks remarkably industrial, even though it is constructed of numerous crystal elements (which arguably took similar skills to create, but they don't visually reflect the application of those skills). The point that was made earlier -- that it is hard to tell from the picture just what the actual visual impact you would get of the chandelier in the Gabriel staircase if you saw it in person --I would also suggest it would probably look very different and create an entirely different effect if seen at night (instead of during the day as it obviously is in that picture). But then I would be intrigued to see what kind of reflections and shadows a more complex installation would create in that same space at night.
The Gabriel Chandelier, first permanent installation of contemporary artwork in Versailles
Art & Architecture
it's not a bad piece per se, and in a different context, it arguably could work really well. But I'm not sure that the placement of this contemporary minimalist piece within an environment of neoclassical symmetrical complexity was the best possible choice. It's like putting your grandmother in a bikini. Both things in their proper context are wonderful, but combined together...um...well...the effect may be memorable but not necessarily for ideal reasons.
If they had to have a lighting fixture produced by a living artist, I wonder if something by Dale Chihuly -- or someone who does work like his -- might not have been a better choice
~ Lady Candace Ducatillon Photography at the Rose Gallery ~
Social Announcements & Introductions
Both the exhibit and the build itself are quite impressive. congratulations to Candace on having some of her work included in this show
"Brown Bess" Musket sale and fundraiser
Marketplace Archive ** CLOSED **
Tia, we will have it up for sale at least until the end of this month
"Brown Bess" Musket sale and fundraiser
Marketplace Archive ** CLOSED **
Signor Curtis, this is the Short Land Pattern (also known as 2nd Model) of 1768 which was the standard musket until 1797 when the 3rd or "India" pattern comes into general usage. Though of course, these older guns probably continued in use in the Napoleonic wars to some extent.
"Brown Bess" Musket sale and fundraiser
Marketplace Archive ** CLOSED **
milie Grazie, Altezza. We appreciate the kind words and the expression of support. I think you will enjoy the musket.
"Brown Bess" Musket sale and fundraiser
Marketplace Archive ** CLOSED **
ah, for some reason, Mercury, the idea of you "melting" at the sight of one of these "ladies" makes me think of the old 18th century German soldiers song that includes something to the effect that the officers get to sleep with the pretty girls, but the common soldat has no one to cuddle up with at night except his musket.
Speaking of soldiers and their muskets, you can see from the second picture that as soon as these were ready last night, the nucleus of the Guardia unit was trying them out in drill. Fun stuff.