Monday 13 January 2014

L'hiver

This is 'winter', one of the most famous sculptures to have graced the palace gardens. Since 2009, it has been placed inside the palace to avoid deterioration (and replaced by a copy outside). It was commissioned by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, king Louis the XIVth's finance minister, designed by Charles Le Brun and sculpted by François Girardon between 1675 and 1679. All the statues and basins are protected in the winter, as you can see in the second shot!

Voici "l'hiver", l'une des statues les plus connues du parterre du Nord au château. Elle est à l'abri à l'intérieur depuis 2009, ayant beaucoup souffert de l'érosion et a été remplacée à l'extérieur par une copie. Elle fut commandée par Colbert, dessinée par Charles Le Brun et sculptée par François Girardon entre 1675 et 1679. En hiver, toutes les statues et vasques des jardins sont protégées des intempéries, comme vous pouvez le constater sur la seconde photo.

24 comments:

Olivier said...

je savais pas que l'on protégeait les statues en Hiver. Belle statue de saison

William Kendall said...

That is beautiful craftmanship.

Sylvia K said...

Beautiful indeed and great captures for the day as always. I'm so glad to hear that they are being protected! Would be such a loss otherwise. Thanks, as always, Ciel, for sharing the beauty and the history!! Have a great new week!

Bob Crowe said...

I recommend a trip to the Helly Hansen shop.

Michelle said...

Such talent it took to create that.

Jack said...

It is a beauty. Fortunately, living outside for the past two centuries doesn't look like it has been damaged too much.

RedPat said...

Winter looks a bit chilly. Glad they have brought him in and as Jack said he is in wonderful condition!

Randy said...

Beautiful sculpture. Nice gardens too.

LONDONLULU said...

How aptly titled, a lovely statue and also how nice to see all the statuary so well-protected even outside! (Shows special care and attention lacking in many places...)

Anonymous said...

'Winter' looks a lot cosier inside!

Stuart said...

In general, I would like to see more outdoor art works replaced with copies (as long as the viewer can't really see the difference). You captured old man winter quite well !

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

I agree with preserving original statuary inside.

As a representation of winter, the statue would be wise to pull his robes up over his shoulders. No wonder he is cold.

EG CameraGirl said...

It's wonderful the original is being protected indoors!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I just had a picture in my mind of your beautiful sculptures sitting out in the snow holding umbrellas over their heads Ciel :)

Small City Scenes said...

Oh my that is a beautiful sculpture and aptly named. I shiver looking at it.

And I have winter on my blog too.
MB

Halcyon said...

It's good to know the statues are being protected. But it's a bit sad for those who can only visit the grounds in winter.

Halcyon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
VP said...

Today you got a much better sculpture than mine!

Karl said...

Majestic sculpture, but for being winter he has no many clothes... not too cold?

Lowell said...

Amazing piece. One can even see the aging of the flesh on the arm! I wonder what the sculptor would say if he could visit our world today?

Loree said...

Winter looks cold :)

Linda said...

Wonderful sculpture! And I know how he feels.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful sculpture, and impressive that it is in such fine shape, given its age!

~Lindy

PETRO50 said...

How apposite is a statue for the winter.