Great gift idea for anyone loving the history of Paris!
Romantic Paris, the city of love! I've dreamed of photographing this city's iconic sights and when I finally got the opportunity I did not waste a moment. Up before dawn every morning to catch a glorious sunrise and out way after my bedtime to shoot the golden hour, sunset, and blue hour. Sleep is over rated, right?
Whether you know it or not, you're familiar with Paris' Place Vendôme. It has appeared countless times in films, TV shows, and advertising campaigns for fashion brands, and for good reason: it epitomizes a certain luxurious version of the French capital.
The square was planned at the turn of the 18th century, commissioned to celebrate the military triumphs and armies of the "Sun King", Louis XIV. Initially named "Conquest Square," it was later redubbed "Place Louis le Grand" before once again changing its name to the one we know today.
Built in the lavish 18th century style that's also recognizable at the grandiose Palais de Versailles (also commissioned by Louis XIV to serve as his palace and residence), the Place Vendôme was completed in 1720.
The current column was erected in 1874, and is in fact a reconstruction of an earlier bronze column commissioned by the Emperor Napoleon in the early 19th century. The original, crowned with a statue of Napoleon on horseback, was damaged and finally destroyed over the course of two revolutions. It was reputedly fashioned from over 1,000 melted-down cannons from enemy forces.
The column and the Napoleonic figure atop were finally reconstructed as a copy following the bloody conflict known as the French Commune. A stairway leading up to the top is now closed to the public, unfortunately, barring some pretty stunning panoramic views.
I had to get up pretty early to get this image without throngs of people strolling about. Nothing against people, I just didn’t want them in this picture. It was very quiet and if you let your imagination run a little you could almost see and hear the fashionable and wealthy over the ages walking the sidewalks and visiting the shops. Imagine the history this square has seen from revolutions to prosperity. It was easy to slip into another time altogether.
Even today, the most exclusive jewelry stores, high-end shops and best hotels, including the Ritz and the Vendôme hotels, are found in this impressive square. And the Place Vendôme remains one of the city’s most famous and beautiful neoclassical structures.
All print mediums will look great, but Acrylic's almost 3D effect will enhance the depth of the color and invite you to walk right into a time of opulence and fashion of days long ago!
