ellie's_pics | photoblog » Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon

13 Nov 2007 • 1001 views

Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon

Lalique dragonfly

At the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon there is a wonderful room full of masterpieces by Lalique, more usually known for glassware.
~ René Jules Lalique ~

The dragonfly lady (about 6 inches high) caught my eye and I did my best to get a reasonable picture, through glass and avoiding reflections and shadows. The picture doesn't do the piece justice, not really, it doesn't capture the exquisite magic of the craftsmanship.

If you ever get the chance to go to Lisbon and are there on a Sunday then visit the Gulbenkian, because on Sundays admission is free of charge. You can spend a few hours wandering round the displays and also the beautiful gardens.

Here is the website ~ Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation ~

camera	E-400
exposure mode
shutterspeed
aperture	f/4.5
sensitivity	ISO500
focal length	58.0mm
resolution	470x700 pixels

Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon

comments (19)

Mary MacADNski

home from a hike

13 Nov 2007, 00:33

Quite a few museums and galleries are free on Sunday. It's a wonderful thing. I love Lalique and am glad to see something up close.

Ellie: It's good to know that free entry on Sundays happens somewhere else Mary, but I don't think the same happens here in UK, which is a pity.

Martin

United States

13 Nov 2007, 00:37

I think this works very well. I didn't realize that it was shot through the glass until I read you comment.

Ellie: I suppose when all things are considered it came out quite well, especially as I didn't have any way of supporting the camera. It was such a wonderful piece, it captivated many visitors.

Ginnie

United States

13 Nov 2007, 03:40

This is exquisite, Ellie, and your DOF is perfect!

Ellie: Phew, thanks for that Ginnie. I'd have liked to get the whole thing in perfect focus, but the lighting wouldn't let me ... either that or I didn't know how!

ray

Thailand

13 Nov 2007, 03:41

She's beautiful, and your picture is excellent, Ellie.

Ellie: She is absolutely beautiful Ray, I'm glad you agree.

Aussie

in a night shift daze

13 Nov 2007, 05:19

Terrific shot of a gorgeous piece.

Ellie: Thanks Aussie, kind of you to say so

Rosalyn Sears

United Kingdom

13 Nov 2007, 07:32

I can imagine you had the most wonderful time there! This is beautiful, Ellie, and you have done a great job in capturing the beauty of the piece. (:o)

Ellie: Oh it was marvellous, I've got a few more pictures but sadly many of them just didn't work out. Good memories though, and a place I hope to be able to visit again one day.

shakara

13 Nov 2007, 08:58

Great shot !!

Ellie: Thanks

Bill Phillips

United Kingdom

13 Nov 2007, 10:48

You have done well to get such a good shot through glass. It's a shame the wing isn't in focus.

Ellie: I absolutely agree about the wing, but it was really quite big, several inches across and it was very difficult to get into the right position without getting in the way of other people who were admiring it ... and also to avoid all the reflections. One day I'll know how to do better

Tracy

Great Britain (UK)

13 Nov 2007, 11:59

What beauty, love the detail.

Ellie: Yes, pure beauty, what a wonderful craftsman.

Red Pen

13 Nov 2007, 16:57

It's a beautiful piece, and your photo does not betray the challenges you mention in your comments.

Ellie: Glad you like it too, it would have been lovely to get a good quality front view, but it wasn't possible. One day perhaps, more skill and a quicker lens perhaps?

Black Pearl

United States

13 Nov 2007, 20:11

The sharpness is exceptional. Quite an interesting subject. Very nice depth of field. Great shot.

Ellie: I've got a very clever camera that goes a long way towards taking half-decent pictures

Glad you like this one.

Astrid

Netherlands

13 Nov 2007, 21:12

This is some dragonfly lady, I love it, DOF is great!

Ellie: Oh she was absolutely beautiful, an eye-catghing piece. This on its own would have made the visit worthwhile, but then there were the Goyas, the Turners, the Rembrandts, the Gainsboroughs, the Egyptian art ... and everything in between from all around the world. It was wonderful.

Michael Rawluk

Canada

13 Nov 2007, 21:27

Gorgeous shot of a piece of gorgeous art. I have a friend who is dragonfly crazy.

Ellie: I'm not surprised people are dragonfly crazy, you'll have to tell your friend about this piece and encourage them to visit Portugal

blackdog

Bath on dial up!

13 Nov 2007, 22:06

A lovely piece Ellie - I have always liked his glassware, but this is captivating. Good shot too ;o)

Ellie: It was such a surprise to see this and the other wonderful pieces of jewellery and ornamentation. I felt so ignorant when I discovered that Lalique was an expert at other crafts than glass.

Richard Standley

France

13 Nov 2007, 22:11

Excellent capture Ellie. The DOF is perfect

Ellie: Thanks Richard.

chris

United Kingdom

13 Nov 2007, 22:23

Technical difficulties aside, you have done a fine job of capturing this Ellie. Well done.

Ellie: Thanks Chris, but I bet you'd have done better!

Louis

South Africa

13 Nov 2007, 23:07

Great picture of beautiful art.

Ellie: It was magical to see, I don't think this really captures that, but it comes close.

José Angel

Spain

14 Nov 2007, 14:03

This is very beautiful! Nice detail, too!

Ellie: Thank you Jose

Zebigleb

France

14 Nov 2007, 18:45

A great shot of a great craftwork, these Lalique are so beautiful, so delicate !

Ellie: Absolutely beautiful Zeb, you're right. Lalique was an amazing craftsman.

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