Sunday, July 1, 2012

Stone Lace

Vienna.  The newly cleaned facade of Stephansdom inspires awe for the human ability to turn stone into delicate lace.


6 comments:

  1. Lovely picture. The artisanship that went into this facade is incredible. One doesn't see work like this these days. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks, Ed. It turns out incredibly talented stone masons still exist in Europe and stay occupied doing restorations. One would think there could be a demand in the US if the talent were there ("build it and they will come"). I would love to see more of this kind of work in the US—or any custom work—to offset so much of the architectural duplication (largely in chain stores and restaurants) these days that makes one city look like the next...and the next...and the next.

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  2. This is certainly stone carvers magic. Love the sculpture of the queen standing on the lion. What's the story behind that piece?

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    1. Yes, it's a great statue and I'm sorry I don't know the symbolism...but that's a great question. Tried researching it but can find no mention (at least in English). Will ask at the cathedral the next time I'm near there...probably next week.

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    2. There is no rush to answer my question. I'll check back. Hope you have a happy July 4th. I'm sure you can find some way to celebrate in Vienna. There's more to this holiday than watermelon and fireworks.

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    3. Thanks and happy Independence Day to you, too! We did have a celebration this evening and the skies are providing Nature's fireworks tonight with an active thunder and lightning show...and cooler temperatures. It was 101°F on our balcony this morning! Will see my son tomorrow. Hooray!

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