Octane
12-11-2008, 09:21 PM
Hi all,
Whilst travelling in Europe, earlier this year, I went to Berlin.
I loved the old and the new in Berlin.
This is the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate), one of Europe's most famous landmarks. Commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia, as a sign of peace, the monument was built over three years between 1788 and 1791 and stands on Pariser Platz (Paris Square).
On top of the gate is the Quadriga of Victory, which was designed by Johann Gottfried Schadow (whose work I fell in love with having seen "him" everywhere in Berlin's museums and galleries). The Quadriga depicts a chariot drawn by four horses and driven by Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory.
Napoleon looted Berlin in 1806 and upon seeing the Quadriga, exclaimed that it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life. In fact, he loved it so much, that he took it back to Paris with him.
The Quadriga was returned to Berlin in 1814 by Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher. Today, Victoria stares affectionately directly where the French Embassy is situated. :lol:
This is an HDR composition of five images. Images were taken at approximately 11:34 PM.
Higher resolution image available upon request.
Comments and critique are most welcome.
Regards,
Humayun
Whilst travelling in Europe, earlier this year, I went to Berlin.
I loved the old and the new in Berlin.
This is the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate), one of Europe's most famous landmarks. Commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia, as a sign of peace, the monument was built over three years between 1788 and 1791 and stands on Pariser Platz (Paris Square).
On top of the gate is the Quadriga of Victory, which was designed by Johann Gottfried Schadow (whose work I fell in love with having seen "him" everywhere in Berlin's museums and galleries). The Quadriga depicts a chariot drawn by four horses and driven by Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory.
Napoleon looted Berlin in 1806 and upon seeing the Quadriga, exclaimed that it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his life. In fact, he loved it so much, that he took it back to Paris with him.
The Quadriga was returned to Berlin in 1814 by Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher. Today, Victoria stares affectionately directly where the French Embassy is situated. :lol:
This is an HDR composition of five images. Images were taken at approximately 11:34 PM.
Higher resolution image available upon request.
Comments and critique are most welcome.
Regards,
Humayun