Friday, April 17, 2009

Cavour

Monument to Count Camillo Benso di Cavour by the sculptor Vincenzo Cerri, LivornoThe solemn statue of Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, is placed on a plinth in the middle of the central square bearing his name. The monument was completed in 1871 by the sculptor Vincenzo Cerri. The reddish building in background is called “Palazzo Rosso” (Red Palace) and its back entrance is adorned by a pair of “topless sphinxes ”. Henry James, who vehemently disliked our Four Moors, said of this statue:

I must add that on the other hand there is a very well-conditioned and, in attitude and gesture, extremely natural and familiar statue of Cavour in one of the city squares...
(Henry James, “Italian Hours”, Tuscan Cities, London, Heinemann, 1909)

See also: Henry James - Palazzo Rosso - Topless Sphinx - Four Moors
External links: Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour - Henry James (Wikipedia)
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14 comments:

  1. Jane Hards PhotographyApril 17, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    So interesting and a great image.

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  2. FioApril 17, 2009 at 10:26 AM

    Nice composition, a grey statue against the coloured facade of Palazzo Rosso.

    Topless Sphinx? I remember that picture ;)

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  3. Stefan JanssonApril 17, 2009 at 11:11 AM

    The sculpture really looks great with the red palace in the background. A quality photo it is.

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  4. jooApril 17, 2009 at 11:30 AM

    Nice shot! I like the facade and the comment is really interesting:)

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  5. brattcatApril 17, 2009 at 1:16 PM

    This is such a modest posture and you set it beautifully against that brick background with the open shutters.

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  6. LowellApril 17, 2009 at 3:26 PM

    You will, I'm sure, show us the topless sphinxes?

    I'm amazed at how good these sculptors were! The expression and detail in the face and hands, the clothing, etc., are magnificent!

    Your photo is excellent, too, with the muted colors in the background...closed and open shutters...

    Great job, Vogon Poet!

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  7. Cezar and LéiaApril 17, 2009 at 3:43 PM

    Very interesting!
    Beautiful picture!
    Léia

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  8. B SQUAREDApril 17, 2009 at 4:18 PM

    I really like how everything is in focus. The back ground really adds a lot to the statue.

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  9. amatamari©April 17, 2009 at 4:56 PM

    Hei ma è proprio una bella foto!!!
    Mi sbaglio o posti immagini sempre più belle?

    :-)

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  10. MeApril 17, 2009 at 7:01 PM

    Yes I will absolutely wait for the “topless sphinxes” pic! He definitely looks natural as our pal Henry pointed out, he looks somehow worried though...

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  11. crocrodylApril 17, 2009 at 8:36 PM

    I also really like the composition of the photo! Majestic!

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  12. BaruchApril 17, 2009 at 10:23 PM

    Interesting info and the photo shows great detail in the statue

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  13. Ming the MercilessApril 18, 2009 at 6:37 AM

    Sorry for not visiting recently.

    Love the statue and the background architecture. Good job!

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  14. hennyApril 25, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    Jacob and Mystical, Vogon Poet has showed us that Sphinx in his March post.
    This Count of Cavor looks different with his painting version seen on Wikipedia. He looks shorter here and modest. I love this one better.

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