Category: France
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Hotel of God
Hotel of God The Hôtel-Dieu of Beaune (Hospices de Beaune) dates from the middle of the 15th century. It was run by the same nuns as the one in Louhans, the order of Sainte-Marthe. We see them here in the kitchen in Beaune, while on the other photo we look from the kitchen in Louhans…
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Hôtel-Dieu
Hôtel-Dieu Hôtel or Hostel-Dieu is the name of hospitals that were founded all over France by the nobility and the rich for the sick and the poor. They were administered by the Catholic Church. Maybe that’s why Dieu was added to Hôtel or Hostel, derived from the Latin hospes. The Hôtel-Dieu in Louhans was constructed…
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The Last Judgement
The Last Judgement Having grown up in a catholic family I know about heaven and hell. But with the faith, the desire for one and fear for the other have disappeared from my life. I still love their images however when they pop up in the long history of the arts, as in the polyptych…
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To hell
To hell On Judgement Day the dead rise from their graves. Archangel Michael weighs their souls and the owners of those that tip the scales because of the serious sins committed during their lifetime are sent to hell. Photos of the week: En route à l’enfer, détails du polyptique du ‘Jugement dernier’ de Rogier van…
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Graceful lady
Graceful lady Seen not at Baume-les-Dames but at Baume-les-Messieurs. For me it’s about the play of light and colour in this picture, the yellow and the grey.As for the elegant saint, she does give extra lustre to the image. Photo of the week: Eglise abbatiale, Baume-les-Messieurs, France 2023
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Madonna
Madonna Romanesque Madonnas are not sweet. They look grave. They are fully aware of the responsible task that has ‘fallen into their lap’. Besides, they are a high point in the history of Western sculpture. Photo of the week: Detail from a Romanesque Virgin and Child, 12th cent., Musée Abbaye Royal de Brou, France 2024
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Windows 24
Windows 24 Food for thought – and a smile -, from Saint-Trivier-de Courtes, from Louhans, and from Vonnas. Photos of the week: France 2024
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Two takes, one lake
Two takes, one lake Just two out of a multitude of different possible takes of one and the same lake. Photos of the week: Etang de Pontremble, France 2024
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The bare interior
The bare interior The light and the emptiness of the nave and aisles of the 16th century late-gothic church in Brou reveal the elegant beauty of its architecture. A salutary contrast with the flamboyantly decorated exterior. Photo of the week: Eglise du Monastère Royal de Brou, France 2024
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The king’s face
The king’s face An impressive portrait of an unknown king from the façade of a 12th century church. He looks serious, responsible, but it is foremost the humane expression of his face that draws me to him. Photo of the week: King from the façade of the Notre-Dame-de-la-Coudre, 1150-1200, Musée du Louvre-Lens, France 2024
