The grand Louvre, Pyramid, i. m. pei, architect
“In 1983 i.m.pei was offered the ‘grand Louvre’ project by the
French government.
‘one of my conditions prior to accepting the commission…
was to see if there was something I could do…
the Louvre was built in parts successively since the 12th century,
first as a donjon, then as a palace…
the problem was how to make (it) into a modern museum.
the Louvre had lots of exhibition space…
but was totally lacking in infrastructure…
after three secret ‘private’ visits…I said to myself,
‘yes, I am going to try.’
Besides creating two large glass covered courtyards to house
sculptures, pei’s design also included the excavation of two
other courtyards in order to create storage and infrastructure
space.
pei’s pyramid design was very controversial and ‘maybe 90%
of the people of Paris were opposed to it at the beginning’,
although now almost everyone loves it.
in fact it is considered one of the landmarks of Paris,
together with the Eiffel tower.
“The glass pyramid is a symbol that defines the entry to the
Louvre. it is placed precisely at the center of gravity of the
three pavilions…it assumes the function of a symbolic entry to a huge
complex of meandering interconnected buildings
which had no center.”
But why a pyramid? why not a cylinder or a cone?
“Formally, it is the most compatible with the architecture of the Louvre…
it is also one of the most structurally stable of forms,
which assures its transparency…
as it is constructed of glass and steel,
it signifies a break with the architectural traditions of the past.
it is a work of our time.”
(from the book “conversations with i.m. pei”)
Camera Specs: Nikon D 50. Lens>Nikon AF-S Zoom 18-135 f/3.5 – 5.5.
Shot details: Focal length>18 mm (27 mm in 35 format). Programmed Auto. Aperture>f/3.5. Shutter>not recorded. ISO>1600. WB>Auto. Resolution>300 ppi, RGB, 8 bit depth. JPEG file.
Post-processing: mild boost to saturation, using Adobe CS3 – Image>Adjust>Gradient Map>Edit>Fade Gradient Map>Mode>Color Burn (opacity 100%)>Image>Adjust>Shadow/Highlight>Midtone Contrast (-10)
artisandelimage
gorgeous image, great informative comment as well !
I was born not far from there 51 years ago…
my best, francis.
djprov
Very interesting, love the extra info. I’m so bad my first thought was embrassing “hmm..somebody’s been to Vegas”, hahaha. Sorry! dp
Antanas
Great capture, beautiful shot
linda858100
Superb
UnEasy
Many thanks artisandelimage, djprov, Antanas, and linda :) I really appreciate the positive feedback!
Dave Corn
Excellent night shoot!
UnEasy replied
Thanks Dave! Night shots are probably my favorite type, with all the associated challenges. I work with a fairly basic DSLR – Nikon’s “entry level” model at the time – the D 50, which has many limitations, including 6.1 million effective pixels, a limited ISO range – not extending below 200, with 1600 the outer limit, and a viewfinder which covers only 95% on the image are. It’s only recently that these limitations have begun to prove problematic (especially the lowest ISO of 200, which causes innumerable headaches during long exposures which make the “sweet spot” of f/8 through f/11 tough to utilize. But from time to time, it does work out.
Dave Corn
Kevin this one definately worked out….......most impressive!
UnEasy replied
Thanks Dave – Thank God for digital – instant feedback AND you don’t waste countless rolls of expensive film and processing. For each shot that did work out that night, there were 10 or 15 which didn’t. I used to work with film, but the mind has a wonderful ability to censor past experiences of frustration and disappointment :)
madworld
It looks surreal…amazing shot my friend, check you mail
UnEasy replied
Thanks T ! I did not know that a plane had crashed into the Hudson, though as I mentioned in my reply e-mail a few moments ago, I’ve been hearing sirens for quite some time now. Looking out my window, I can see north as far as the GW Bridge, and South as far as Chelsea, but don’t see anything resembling a plane crash – I’ll find out later, when I tear myself away from the computer, and spend a few (painful) minutes watching the news O_o
KarenKSmith
i.m. pei is one of my favorites..he designed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland which is the only one of his buildings I’ve been in. This photo is an excellent composition of capturing light and reflections. It’s perfect. And the added Pei quotes make it even more special.
UnEasy replied
Thanks so much Karen. I’m a HUGE fan of i.m. pei as well, and I LOVE his work at the Louvre. Aside from that though, I’m not sure I’ve ever visited any of his buildings – though I must have, without realizing it – as I know he’s done work here in NYC. Thanks so much for the kudos as well.
Regenia Brabham
WOW!! This is stunning.
UnEasy replied
Thanks Reginia – a thumbs up from a Pro like yourself is especially rewarding!
Susan Bergstrom
Okay..your on a roll now…this is spectrial! I am stunned and so happy for you…this looks like it will be a feature somewhere! list it in Public Art! ...Beautiful!
Mary Ann Reilly
this is so nicely done: form and content realized.
UnEasy
Thanks so much Susan and Mary Ann ! Well, I’m a huge fan of you both – you have in common that wonderful versatility which brings to your work a freshness and so often the unexpected. Susan’s talents in both painting/drawing and photography (a combination ‘devoutly to be wished after’), and Mary Ann’s superb creativity, expressed through her ‘out of the camera’ shots as well as her (in my view) unsurpassed post-processing skills and innovative approach constantly thrill and inspire me. Thank you both!!!
LindaMerz
This is an outstanding photograph. Everything about it is wonderful. Perfect composition, lighting and tone.
John Vandeven
Stunning night shot.
Love it.
Steve Cozart
I don’t know how I missed this one, Kevin. Stunningly beautiful and well-shot!
Great history lesson too!
Von McKnelly
Top shelf image for the house that keeps some of the greatest art on the planet. My favorite museum the Louvre…such an emotional place to spend a day or week for that matter.
bahketni
This is excellent
UnEasy
Been away from RG for almost 2 weeks, due to a very bad cold (first one in over a decade!!!), which turned into a bad case of bronchitis. So missed the opportunity to thank the kind artists who took the time and trouble to comment and offer encouragement. So I take this opportunity to offer, belatedly, my thanks and appreciation to Linda. John, Steve, Von McKnelly, and bahketni for their thoughtful, positive and wonderful comments. Thank you fellow Redbublers, for taking the time and effort to comment, making me feel wonderful, knowing some genuinely appreciate this image. I love the civility, camaraderie, and support you give me. It’s appreciated more than you can imagine. Again, thank you so very very much, one and all.
photoloi
Amazing capture!
Carlie Hensley
Brilliant!
Buckwhite
This is a simply fabulous shot. The colors, the lighting and reflections are excellent.
UnEasy replied
Thanks so much for your thoughtful and kind comment Buckwhite :)
jacqleen
awweeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…...this is truly STUNNING…......and I just LOVEEEEEEEE this place…and can NOT wait to go back and spends dayssssssssss in there ….. sighhhhhh :))) xx
UnEasy replied
Thank you so so much, The Lovely Jacqleen :) I can’t wait to return either. xoxo
eon man
Fabulous catch ….& You have a terrific folio ” – )) cheers steve
UnEasy replied
Thank you Neo Man – and your folio is breathtaking :) Cheers Down Under Mate :)
martinilogic
Wow…. nicest shot I’ve seen yet of this structure…...
UnEasy replied
Wow back martinilogic :D For a smashing compliment :)))
Peacefulwarrior
OMG!!! Stunning image, just beautiful, love it!!
UnEasy replied
Thank you very much Peacefulwarrior :) I do appreciate your taking the time to comment :) Cheers
John Kowalski
Fabulous shot, love the way the lit structures reflections are close to mirrored in the water! Excellent capture!!
UnEasy replied
Thanks John :) Yes, the light and water were cooperative that night. It really is so beautiful. :)
Lorena Maria
Dios mio! que cosa mas bella!!! too PERFECT!! great INFO very interesting.. now I know why is a pyramid kevin!! tnx
UnEasy replied
Shucks Lorena shuffles feet and blushes Thank you my good friend :)))
Danica Radman ...
WOW! you’ve got it made (mate?) :) you have it all! wow
and “conversations with i.m. pei” is great, i love it
UnEasy replied
Thanks so much tazzz:))) yes, mate :))) Brit and Aussie slang for, let’s see – in the U.S., variously _friend, “man”, Bro, dude, :))) language – gotta luv it :D
kappisan
Well what can i say…...
I Totally agree with All the compliments above! :)
A Huge Fave to me!
UnEasy replied
Thank you so so much kappisan – I truly appreciate your taking a look, and your positive view :)))
Danceintherain
UnEasy replied
Than you very much Coy – I appreciate it :))) Kevin
danielklaas
Wonderful night composition.
UnEasy replied
Thanks so much Daniel! Love your B/W’s of Paris btw :)))
Tiffany Dryburgh
Beautiful, beautiful light!
UnEasy replied 15 days ago
A belated Thank You Tiffany :) Sorry for the delay :)
Blair Wainman 15 days ago
This is absolutely awesome!! The lighting and reflection are stunning!
UnEasy replied 15 days ago
Thanks so much Blair :) Folks differ about pei’s Pyramid, but I just love it.
RickF 15 days ago
Beautiful capture!
UnEasy replied 14 days ago
Thank you very, very much Rick :)