The Dusty Kitty of 95 Boulevard Raspail
10 Comments Published by Cedric Benetti on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 2/28/2009 07:11:00 PM.
Passing in front of a window on boulevard Raspail, you can't miss the Dusty Kitty Window, with its main attraction: Dusty Kitty.
Dusty Kitty actually isn't dusty. It's the window. Kitty is clean. And meditating. Like a statue.
Who is disturbing me in my meditations?
I can has quiet-time puhleez?
Next time you are on Blvd Raspail, go check out Dusty Kitty at number 95!
Labels: Paris street stuff (NOT a TOILET), things that can happen if you stare directly into the sun
Marble-ous Trianon
4 Comments Published by Cedric Benetti on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 2/25/2009 11:52:00 AM.
The Grand Trianon was built by Louis XIV to be a place where he could escape from the hectic life of the court at Versailles and its over-the-top protocols. On paper it officially stated that the structure be built as 'a house for partaking of collations' (light meals).
The current palace dates back to 1687 and is actually the second Trianon structure to be built here, since the first one, a porcelain Trianon, was not very weather resistant. Jules Hardouin-Mansart build another palace on the same site, twice the size of the Porcelain Trianon and with its main material being marble and porphyry, which led to Louis XIV calling it the 'Trianon de Marbre'. Louis XIV took a great interest in building this second structure, almost making him the real architect of the Palace. It was his idea to add a colonnaded portico whose transparence linked the gardens to the building more completely than anywhere else.
Later in the early 19th century, Napoleon I resided here from 1805 to 1815 and refurnished it in the Empire Style. Parts of the building, called 'Trianon-sous-Bois' are now used by the French president to entertain foreign dignitaries.The current palace dates back to 1687 and is actually the second Trianon structure to be built here, since the first one, a porcelain Trianon, was not very weather resistant. Jules Hardouin-Mansart build another palace on the same site, twice the size of the Porcelain Trianon and with its main material being marble and porphyry, which led to Louis XIV calling it the 'Trianon de Marbre'. Louis XIV took a great interest in building this second structure, almost making him the real architect of the Palace. It was his idea to add a colonnaded portico whose transparence linked the gardens to the building more completely than anywhere else.
The colonnaded portico, now open on both sides, at first had huge glass paneled doors on the courtyard side.
Labels: Art, MUSEUMS, Royalist stuff
The shiny Bling of Versailles
8 Comments Published by Cedric Benetti on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 2/24/2009 11:45:00 AM.
Only recently the castle of Versailles has recovered its historic royal court gate. But the bling-bling doesn't stop there, because the restauration program 'Grand Versailles' will see that all the rooms of the palace as well as the facades and roofs will sparkle in its shiny have-you-seen-me gold cover.
To some it might seem over the top or kitschy, but these renovations are executed by relying on precise historical documents. But even to the inhabitants of Versailles, seeing the rooftops on the Cour de Marbre shining in the sun like they're on fire might seem a bit odd.
But then again, this was the home of the Sun King, and it wouldn't be the real thing if it wouldn't look like this. After all, a shining beacon of gold and over-the-top spending was the main occupation at the court of Louis XIV. Show your wealth by spending like crazy and showing it off. Almost like the rap culture dictates you to do nowadays. Enjoy the tour.
To some it might seem over the top or kitschy, but these renovations are executed by relying on precise historical documents. But even to the inhabitants of Versailles, seeing the rooftops on the Cour de Marbre shining in the sun like they're on fire might seem a bit odd.
But then again, this was the home of the Sun King, and it wouldn't be the real thing if it wouldn't look like this. After all, a shining beacon of gold and over-the-top spending was the main occupation at the court of Louis XIV. Show your wealth by spending like crazy and showing it off. Almost like the rap culture dictates you to do nowadays. Enjoy the tour.
Cour de Marbre in all its splendor
And now for a tour of the interiors. No comments here since I don't wanna sound like a tourist guide. Just look at the pictures for once and enjoy yourselves.
The Battle of Yorktown.
Labels: Art, MUSEUMS, things that can happen if you stare directly into the sun
