18 Comments
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Lin Gregory's avatar

What what beautiful ornate work in both the architecture and sculptures - true craftmanship. Thanks for sharing Stella.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you for looking, Lin! I so appreciate it.

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søren k. harbel's avatar

I am intrigued by the attention to the fabric. It is as you say amazing that in stone you can create the feel of softness and texture that some decadent dandy wore then. What a great way to photograph.... Forget the face, which otherwise takes all the attention. Focus on the skill in the dress. Amazing that in so many cases, the Master did the face and hands, and the assistants the rest. Some anonymous 20 year old. Fabulous.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Søren! I often wonder about all the anonymous craftspeople behind so many famous structures and buildings. And, that’s how I landed with these portraits. The Palais Garnier is filled with so much art and beauty. This a just fraction of it and these busts happen to be just above my height so they were accessible.

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søren k. harbel's avatar

It is a little like when you see all those beheaded statues from Greece and Rome, you pay attention to how the robes are done. I like it!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

So true!

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

The photos of the busts took my breath away.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you for looking, Alice!

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

I love the way you photographed them. They almost look like charcoal drawings. I am always amazed by the craftsmanship when I sculptures like this…

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Susanne. Hardly anyone creates sculptures like these in our day and age. I think that’s part of the reason why we are in awe of craftsmanship. Come to think of it, they do look like charcoal drawings!

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Manuela Thames's avatar

Exquisite details. Thank you for sharing this with us!!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you, Manuela!

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Romina Garcia Narth's avatar

beautiful!

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thank you!

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Eduardo del Rosario's avatar

Bravo! Nothing less.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks, Ed!

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Contarini's avatar

These are magnificent. Thanks for sharing, and drawing attention to this almost superhuman skill and attention to detail.

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Stella Kalaw's avatar

Thanks for reading, Contarini. I appreciate it!

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