Sunday, March 27, 2011

San Marco Sunday - All That Glitters Is Gold

Ornate Facade, Basilica di San Marco, Venice, Italy  © Doug Hickok


Even the casual observer can not help but marvel at the astounding beauty of the Basilica di San Marco. Just the ornate exterior alone gives one an inkling of just how powerful and prosperous the Venetian Republic once was. Most of the decorative art work seen here was added in the Gothic period, but the basilica itself is much older, dating from the Byzantine era. The winged lion is symbolic of Gospel author Saint Mark. The horse of course is symbolic of the patron saint of long shots, Saint Seabiscuit.


(Photo note: This image was made with a Nikon F3HP SLR body, a Nikkor 100mm f2.5 AIS lens, on Fujichrome Velvia RVP 100 color slide film)



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29 comments:

  1. KrunalMarch 27, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    wonderful POV, the light is perfect too

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  2. T. BecqueMarch 27, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    Incredible beauty and history. When were you there? I will be there in June, can't wait!

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  3. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    What an ornate building part! Very nice photo, the F3 was (is) an excellent camera, and you have a really good "photographer's eye" :)

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  4. Traveling HawkMarch 27, 2011 at 3:37 AM

    Good shot! Venice is heaven on earth for photographers :)

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  5. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    excellent colors framing, and pov
    http://krikis.aminus3.com

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  6. Marie LCMarch 27, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    Wonderful place and wonderful shot.

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  7. BeatMarch 27, 2011 at 6:23 AM

    fantastic colors and tones.very well done!

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  8. BirdmanMarch 27, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    This is magnificent entrance way.

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  9. Hilda R.BMarch 27, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    Wonderful! So sharp and colourful. Well done. Thanks for sharing! Have never seen this before.

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  10. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    I've loved horsies since I was a little girl. I'm so happy to know about St. Seabiscuit. Why, as a Catholic, have I never heard of him.
    GREAT CAPTURE!

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  11. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Great shot and post Doug--made me smile. Love the Saint Seabiscut reference! My wife and I were there just about 10 years ago to the day for our honeymoon. We had grand plans to return every couple years...life.

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  12. VPMarch 27, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    Awesome and amazing!

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  13. Regina March 27, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Wow equsite carvings!
    Truly a magnicent cspture!

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  14. fabrizioMarch 27, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    awesome detalis in perfect light and contrast, wonderful vertical depth

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  15. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    The contrast is really stunning. Nicely done Doug..

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  16. franzMarch 27, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    always worth a visit - venice and san marco! you've found a very good angle for this shot!

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  17. Cezar and LéiaMarch 27, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Truly impressive, there are so many details and it's so well projected against the blue sky!
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  18. RandyMarch 27, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Very beautiful. Love the horse.

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  19. john4jackMarch 27, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    terrific pov. beautifully captured

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  20. danouMarch 27, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    stunning catch ! great pov and light , many beautiful details

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  21. MarcieMarch 27, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    Having seen San Marco myself - I've gotta agree - it's simply awesome. Wonderful capture of the detail!

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  22. LeoviMarch 27, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    Wonderful perspective that emphasizes the details of their wealth and excellent warm tones, if I'm wrong because even gorgeous afternoon sun. A greeting.

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  23. London CallerMarch 27, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    Truly opulent!
    I miss Venice - the entire city feels like a giant maze to me.
    Oh, is that a horse? Looks like a ram or a stag from this angle. ;p

    >Does the UK use the metric system normally?

    No, not entirely. Distances, clothes, shoes are still imperial.

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  24. bram antarejaMarch 27, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    high tase art...very beautiful foto.

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  25. ....peter:)March 27, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    Hi Doug...this is a magnificent facade even if it is only gold....i have to kick myself because i was a block away from the Basilica di San Marco and missed it except my pictures from the lagoon of the grand canal....Duhhh....peter:)

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  26. GinnieMarch 28, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    Perfect title for this ornate image, Doug. Those were indeed the days. I'm guessing we'll never see them again?!

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  27. tedeMarch 28, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    The details are superb, magnificent colors and light. Good day.

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  28. Donato (longroute)March 28, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    A splendid architecture detail, well captured with a fine golden light. It gives a sensation of aliveness and great light. Very pleasant.
    Compliments,
    Donato

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  29. L'explorateurMarch 29, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Oh boy! I really feel the power of Venice! My hometown (Bergamo) was one of the most Western territories of the Venetian Republic. Your image is so fascinating! Superb!

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