Monday, July 23, 2007

Fabric in Marble

These are pics from a visit to the Louvre on 6 July. I was fascinated with how sculptors dealt with the drape and pattern of fabric in marble. I can't even imagine how technically complicated that would be. These are funerary monuments from the French Resaissance. First off is a work by Germain Pilon called the Tomb of Valentine Balbiani.



An unexpected self-portrait reflected in the description:
An unknown artist did these effigies of Catherine of Alencon and Pierre d'Evreux-Navarre. After seeing several dogs with the women in the tomb sculptures, I'm thinking that they are not beloved pets, but instead symbolize faithfulness. Especially since the man has two lions fighting there at his feet which would presumably mean courage. Just a guess on my part.



Finally had an exciting day at the Tour de France. Team CSC certainly isn't doing as well as I had hoped, but what an amazing resurgence from The Discovery Team. I have to say that Leipheimer didn't inspire me much, but I can root for Contador. I know he's best young rider, but is this his first Tour de France? So great to see the Discos looking like the big blue train of old, taking control of the race and setting the pace. woohoo!
I'm off to read more Harry Potter. It's a good day for it since rain is pouring down.

15 comments:

Clare said...

I agree with you about the dogs and lions. When I was little I always wondered how they managed to get the dogs to sit still! Can you imagine the hours chipping away at marble to get the folds in the fabric and the design.

Really pouring here too after a lovely weekend, especially watching Le Tour yesterday.

Anonymous said...

tonya Oh no, more inspiration !!!! I just love the way the fabric drapes and the designs awesome!!!!
Love your self portrait in the picture very fun!
I can't thank you enough for sharing these pictures.
Someday I hope to visit Paris and see all of this myself, but for now I am happy to see it thru your eyes.
Kathie

Joyce said...

They did an amazing job on the fabric. I believe you are right about the dogs. I have read that in regard to paintings so I'm sure it's true of sculpture too.

Judy said...

Very very cool!

McIrish Annie said...

Great photos. I love that stuff! and great pic of you! now I can visualize you as I read your blog. the silks to die for!@

Candy Schultz said...

I think your guesses are spot on. Beautiful sculpture. Cortador almost died in an accident a few years ago and this is his first tour. He is pretty amazing. I wouldn't rule out Sastre yet. He is still in contention. It could all be decided in the final time trial. I was sorry to see Robbie McEwan drop out. He is one of the most exciting sprinters ever.

Paula, the quilter said...

I work for a sculptor, bronze tho. I've been fascinated watching him work the fabric. And, yes, he has asked my opinion since I work in fabric.

Diane said...

Thanks for another fascinating post. I fear some of us would have overlooked the magnificent sculptural details like tassels and trims. We're all grateful for your digital Elph!

Anonymous said...

I remember the 1st time I was at the Louvr as a 20 something year old. I was awe struck at the textures of the sculptures in the hall with just natural light it was as if you could see them breathing they were so life like. Even in marble they were so real appearing., Great pics thanks for sharing.
Ruth

Unknown said...

You know Tonya - I never even gave it a thought let alone looked that carefully at the marble interpretation of fabric on sculpture - you always make me look at the world with new eyes :o) Enjoy HP - I loved it! - I kept having to go back and reread the page I'd just read to check I'd got the drift of what had just happened

Lily Mulholland said...

Look at those marble ruffles! Amazingly intricate work. I would be scared stiff chipping away at such a delicate edge!

atet said...

Wow -- what great fabrics in stone. Thanks for sharing the pictures. I love the silks you bought -- that blue/green is amazing. Enjoy HP -- hope you get your copy of the new book soon!

sewprimitive karen said...

What gorgeous marbles, they make me screech! I like how Valentine's hands have the same elegant curves as was done in paintings. Love the dress, the little dog, and the tasseled pillows, wow.

Brigitte said...

Thanks Tonya for your fantastic pics, you are a real good touristguide! I love especially the architectural details you are showing. I am located now in Szczecin/Poland and start enjoying my great studio, pics later on my blog (beadtex)
hugs from Brigitte (formerly from Germany)

Unknown said...

Just fabulous. How fortunate you are to have the luxury of doing the Louvre gradually, without getting museum-ed out.

I'm hoping my family will memorialize me with as much style that lady on the top has. And in sinuously sculpted marble to. Ha ha--dream on.