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!






at

21 comments:

  1. Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerJanuary 20, 2013 at 1:49 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. JoeJanuary 20, 2013 at 2:48 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. yzJanuary 20, 2013 at 5:05 AM

    beautiful light

    ReplyDelete
  4. MarcieJanuary 20, 2013 at 5:55 AM

    Such a powerful image..and extraordinary light!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cezar and LéiaJanuary 20, 2013 at 6:09 AM

    '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

    ReplyDelete
  6. Olivier RaultJanuary 20, 2013 at 8:16 AM

    Superbe lumière, j'aime beaucoup ce cliché !

    ReplyDelete
  7. PatriciaJanuary 20, 2013 at 11:44 AM

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. Roland TheysJanuary 20, 2013 at 12:12 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  9. FocalesJanuary 20, 2013 at 12:47 PM

    The light is very beautiful on this mysterious statue

    ReplyDelete
  10. London CallerJanuary 20, 2013 at 3:03 PM

    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?!

    ReplyDelete
  11. john4jackJanuary 20, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    fine selective focus. marvelous light

    ReplyDelete
  12. KevinJanuary 20, 2013 at 5:26 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doug HickokJanuary 20, 2013 at 9:36 PM

      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!

      Delete
  13. VisioplanetJanuary 21, 2013 at 1:19 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. ArndJanuary 21, 2013 at 5:20 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  15. rianJanuary 21, 2013 at 8:04 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  16. ChristopherJanuary 22, 2013 at 11:16 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doug HickokJanuary 22, 2013 at 8:55 PM

      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!

      Delete
  17. franzJanuary 22, 2013 at 11:59 AM

    gorgeous light over this serene looking monument !

    ReplyDelete
  18. Andrew Graeme GouldJanuary 22, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  19. DomLOrthaJanuary 23, 2013 at 5:43 AM

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

    ReplyDelete