Sunday, January 20, 2013

Mystery of the Sphinxes

Sphinx, Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
 (Velvia slide film. Click on image for larger view)



16 identical marble Sphinxes sit atop a wall that surrounds the 
Piazza del Popolo in Rome. These statues give the outdoor space an 
Egyptian flavor, complementing an authentic obelisk from ancient Heliopolis 
that stands in the square. 

Sphinxes and mysteries seem to go together. To me, the mystery of these sphinxes is whose face is represented on these sculptures. Is it the artist himself, Guiseppe Valadier, or is it a politician... or maybe a war hero? The profile looks classically Roman, so it can't be some guy from Ohio.


And another mystery... what the heck came first, the chicken or the egg?


I know one mystery that needs to be solved as soon as possible... where the nearest frothy cup of cappuccino can be found!






21 comments:

  1. Hi Doug, hope you're enjoying your weekend. I'm looking forward to this series!
    Duncan In Kuantan

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  2. Love the subject and the use of DOF to isolate it. In my head I can see me in that sphinx Doug.

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  3. Such a powerful image..and extraordinary light!

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  4. 'The egg'LOL
    Very interesting question of the sphinx. For me not so mysterious but magical and it's a great subject for photography, you composition is wonderful!
    hugs and a nice Sunday
    Léia

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  5. Superbe lumière, j'aime beaucoup ce cliché !

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  6. You are "mysterious" today, he he he :)
    Beautiful photo! Love the lights...

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  7. Hello Doug, it looks great in all this, good photo!

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  8. The light is very beautiful on this mysterious statue

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  9. That's a tough nut to crack, D!
    Do we all share the same ancestor?
    Does it mean we have been inbreeding all these times?!

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  10. fine selective focus. marvelous light

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  11. Great composition with great DOF ! Very beautiful (sunset ?) light !

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    1. Hi Kevin. Yes you are right, the light was from the late afternoon sun, bouncing off nearby buildings onto this Sphinx... kinda like big outdoor reflectors!

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  12. And here I was, thinking sphinxes were exclusive to Egypt..

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  13. Awesome plasticity, colors and light. Love this image.
    I hope you got your cup of cappuccino by now!

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  14. yep, that should go first.. but yeah, sure is odd seeing these in italy, but this is a cool catch.

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  15. Frothy cappuccinos in Rome--does it get any better than that? Love the light on this mysterious old sphinx. Are you in Italy now Doug or is this a shot from your archives? If you're there I'm dripping with jealousy.

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    1. HI Chris. Sadly we are not in Italy now. This image was from one of our trips a few years back. But we sure would like to go back again, even if only for a frothy cup of cappuccino!

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  16. gorgeous light over this serene looking monument !

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  17. The beautiful golden light and clear separation from the background make this a very impressive image. Chicken and the egg??? I'm still wondering why the former crossed the road!

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  18. You have caught the Italian light! Nicely done, and great composition!
    Have a nice day.

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