Sunday, May 15, 2011

Duomo Sunday

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy  © Doug Hickok


Many travelers are probably familiar with the famous Cathedral (Duomo) of Florence, either having seen photographs of Brunelleschi's red brick dome towering above the city, or having visited the church when in Florence. Needless to say, the church is an impressive work of art, either from a distance, or up close. This view of the decorative exterior shows the intricate design work of the marble masonry. Whereas the dome took only 16 years to build, the facade took about five centuries to finish, being started in the 14th century and being completed finally in 1887. Talk about a titanic project, the construction of the Duomo is indeed a model of patience and persistence (not unlike the church of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona). These concepts are often difficult to fathom in the immediate gratification society we live in today.


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24 comments:

  1. ChristopherMay 15, 2011 at 12:30 AM

    This may be apocryphal but I've heard that Michelangelo on seeing Brunelleschi's dome said, "I can build a bigger dome but I cannot build a more beautiful one."

    I miss it so--beautiful shot Doug.

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  2. fabrizioMay 15, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    you are right in yout post, photo id simply wonderful, delicate light and details, compliments

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  3. Traveling HawkMay 15, 2011 at 3:32 AM

    Very fine details! I know that parts of the front are difficult to catch because the place is so narrow there. Congrats, Doug, you are really a pro!

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  4. Donato (longroute)May 15, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    Ah, Firenze!
    I lived there for a while...
    This is really a splendid version and interpretation of this famous church. You chose a meaningful and interesting selection of this wonderful architecture which does justice to this magnificent monument.
    A good idea,
    Donato

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  5. Cezar and LéiaMay 15, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    It is beautiful indeed and I really admire that such projects were carried on through generations...
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  6. JoeMay 15, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    This cathedral is magnificent.

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  7. Marie LCMay 15, 2011 at 4:49 AM

    A basilica which I know well and which I also photographed a few years ago. Here the light and the colors are very beautiful and the interesting framing

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  8. AnonymousMay 15, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    Beautiful capture by you Doug!

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  9. AnonymousMay 15, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    fantastic architecture detail and colors
    http://krikis.aminus3.com

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  10. KenMay 15, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    AmaZING!

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  11. danouMay 15, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    stunning compo and details , wonderful colors , marvelous architecture !!!!!

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  12. FriedaMay 15, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    That's a great shot of this magnificent dome.
    :-)
    Your words are true, the patience and persistence of the people in history are impressive. I keep wondering if our age will leave similar great things to future generations...

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  13. LeoviMay 15, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Magnificent shot with a splendid approach allows us to enjoy great detail and light to enjoy the colors.

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  14. donMay 15, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    A fine shot of this fabulous design. I like the rich color and detail that you captured with this shot. Well done.

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  15. franzMay 15, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    this is a superb capture of the intricate patterns and colors and designs of this magnificent church, doug! and you're right - no one today can imagine spending so much time (and effort and axle grease ...) on a single project - that doesn't even bring an immediate (financial) return! the more thankful we should be for the people of the past for their resilience and patience and their ability to look beyond the rim of the dinner plate!

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  16. KathyMay 15, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    You are a master at architectural photos, Doug.

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  17. harryMay 15, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Excellent crisp color and detail as well as spot on perspective.

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  18. elena nuezMay 15, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    A fascinating architecture and a perfect shot!
    thanks for this gift

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  19. Martina EgliMay 15, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    That is a very impressive image! The beautiful warm lighting, the composition and the details play very well together. Many compliments!

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  20. MarcieMay 15, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Nothing prepared me for seeing the Duomo for the first time in real life. What a wonderfully framed image!!!

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  21. VPMay 15, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    An excellent image and a great post!

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  22. London CallerMay 15, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Are you taking us to around the world this week, D?
    Really love the composition of this photo.
    It looks more interesting than placing the whole dome in the middle.
    Another lesson from you! :)
    Golden hour again? You're so lucky!

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  23. AnonymousMay 15, 2011 at 11:54 PM

    Love the way the blue sky compliments the red roof of the dome.

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  24. OlaMay 16, 2011 at 3:28 AM

    baeutifully decorated!

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