Sunday, June 26, 2011

Pantheon Sunday

Oculus and Dome, Pantheon, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok


The magnificent dome of Rome's Pantheon is one of the architectural wonders of western civilization. Beyond the fact that it is the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, it is still intact after nearly 2000 years (and looking as handsome as ever).  The entire space beneath the dome is awe inspiring, a man-made space like no other I've experienced. Perhaps it is the shear size of the rotunda or perhaps something even greater. There is a palpable all-encompassing energy that can be felt during certain clear headed moments. As I recall, the feeling gave me a little shiver of excitement.

The ancient Romans dedicated this temple to all the gods.
In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV preserved the Pantheon from destruction and had it converted into a Catholic church, dedicated to Mary and all the martyrs.

Needless to say, the Pantheon has deep spiritual gravitas.



24 comments:

  1. Good composition and nice light.

    In september i'am going to Rome for a few days.

    Greetings and a nice sunday, Joop

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  2. Beautiful ceiling, colors and composition.

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  3. I was gobsmacked when I first visited the Pantheon. This is a marvellous photo.

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  4. Yeah, this is an impressive building. I was there 3 years ago.

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  5. Amazing what they would do with stone. Now, that's a ceiling!

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  6. It feels like the light is golden. I always marvel at your ability to create an outstanding composition.

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  7. Great image. It is also a Royal tomb for the first king of reunited Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the father figures of our country.

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  8. A gorgeous example of superb architecture. Excellent photograph.

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  9. Well captured Doug!

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  10. Wow - two thousand years old! And it looks lovely. Great capture.

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  11. Marvelous, POV, lighting and detail.

    (Whether it's your Gamecocks or my Gators, the SEC wil rule college baseball.)

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  12. Gorgeous shot of this masterpiece. I had a very similar experience here Doug; I was awestruck by the Pantheon. My wife and I vowed to some day take our children for a visit. It's breathtaking on so many levels.

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  13. perfect perspective and pov, and perfect use of light! all this allows the architectural detail to shine!

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  14. Wow, this is impressive :-) perfect light & perspective!

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  15. Hello, D! I am back. :)
    Thank you so much for your comments last week.
    I only have temporary internet access at the moment. :(

    This is one of my favourite buildings in Rome.

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  16. This is really something to see . It had to be. History is wonderful , this image brilliant.

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  17. I know that feeling, Doug. Anything as old as Jesus and the Apostles gives one definite pause!!! I'll never forget being there myself not too many years ago.

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  18. Gorgeous point of view, fon one of my favorites structures, really creative photo

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  19. Incomparable shot of this famous place!
    Ideal colours and exposure!

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  20. Your image really takes me back to being there myself. Love the rich warm tones. Great work.

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  21. Thanks for bringing back good memories of this wonderful space. Gee - you are well travelled Doug.

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  22. Most impressive in this great image of yours, Doug. Must be as amazing to stand under it and look up.

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