Sunday, August 12, 2012

Through the Ages

Roman Forum, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
  (Velvia slide film. Click on image for larger view)



In the foreground weathered steps and columns of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina reveal the workmanship of ancient hands, while the dome of Santi Luca e Martina, and a statue on top of Il Vittoriano fill-in the background.

The Roman temple was begun in 141 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius and dedicated to his deified wife, but converted into a Roman Catholic church in the 7th century. During the Renaissance it became the headquarters for the College of Chemists and Herbalists.

The church dedicated to Saint Martina dates from 625 AD, but in 1577 was given to a group of painters, sculptures and architects to house their academy.

The Victor Emmanuel Monument (Il Vittoriano) was completed in 1935 to honor Italy's first president. It features the statue of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory on her chariot. Being one of the tallest buildings in Rome, the monument is also one of the most visible.

The Roman Forum is literally a timeline of human endeavor stretched out in stone for all to see and admire.

23 comments:

  1. Beautiful hues of gold and earthen textures to this one Doug. Like you reference to "ancient hands". Rome is a photographers paradise.

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  2. Those steps look amazing. They seem to be resting on an arch-shaped foundation. So much history for one (very old) building. Like how you made the steps the focus here.

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  3. Fabulous foreground and coloring.Capturing a classic in a creative lens.

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  4. Your composition highlights the massiveness (is that a word) of the columns. Texture, foreground, background, subject . . all great.

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  5. Excelente fotografia de valioso Património...Espectacular....
    Cumprimentos

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  6. There is nothing like Fuji Velvia slide film. This is a superb composition and the colors are outstanding. I took the usual "tourist" photo of the forum on Kodak slide film in 1957. The photo still looks OK.

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  7. I didn't explore the Forum in as much detail as you did!
    Shame I missed this viewpoint.
    Just like I got carried away by the Giant Doughnut in the Temple...
    And overlooked the Churros!

    >It is a long walk to Rio
    Ha, you'll get there before I do.
    I gotta swim across the Atlantic first.

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  8. Lovely texture and layers of interest in this photo!

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  9. This is a very creative framing of some very interesting elements that could each be its own photo. Also nice warm light.

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  10. Pięknie to uchwyciłeś aparatem i jest świetne zdjęcie.Pozdrawiam.
    This beautiful camera and take a hold is a great photo. Yours.

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  11. marvelous photograph. wonderful tones and textures

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  12. Very nice photo, I liked those warm colours and the very old cracks on the columns. Rome is a fantastic city and fortunately I saw this place personally as well. Have a great week, Doug!

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  13. Such a great composition!
    But I'm wondering how those steps resting on a thin arch!

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  14. I've always liked the earth tones of Rome.

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  15. Wonderful compressed composition--this image really places us in the midst of it all.

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  16. magnificent colours and tonality ... now this is "really" old, even by american standards ... ;-)))

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  17. Wow! Golden city. Looks so grand and majestic.

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  18. man, this looks really ancient! nice pov to show how old these are..

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  19. Very creative composition: it's the first I see such a composition to show the Forum! Excellent eye!
    Have a nice day.

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