MEDIEVAL DOOR… RESTORED!, a photo from Provence-Alpes-Cote-dAzur, South

Photographer's Note

I've always liked old walls, old doors and skeleton keys. They keep people in, or they keep them out. Ultimately, they convey a sense of mystery, and serve as a reminder of the generations of individuals who’ve passed bye. This particular door is located close to the church tower "A Veritable Stage Set" that I submitted a month ago from Saint Paul de Vence, an hour by car from Cannes on the French Riviera. Indeed, in the 20th century this artist colony served as a hangout for Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall (the latter is actually buried in the local cemetery), as well as actors/writers Yves Montand, Simone Signoret, James Baldwin.

But clearly this massive wooden door has been restored to its medieval appearance, and will show a different character as the wood begins to decay and the iron hinges and bolts begin to show rust... in the next century or two. Perhaps its greatest charm now is in the rich wood tones and textures, and the contrast in light and shadows created by sunlight striking at a grazing angle.

A few years ago I submitted a photo to Trekearth entitled "the Bargello Gates" in Florence, showing a side entrance to the greatest sculpture museum in the world. Before that I submitted a photo of the archway with Norman carvings at the entrance of the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. These three gates comprise the first entries of a group theme, Old Doors, that I just set up. Others are welcome to add to the theme.

papagolf21, Royaldevon, Royaldevon, timecapturer, Sonata11, jhm, Bluejeans, nobuikehonda, shevchenko, bukitgolfb301, Cricri, jlbrthnn, Hansaphotos, agulberk, vasilpro, paololg, subhendu_bagchi, delpeoples, TopGeo, adores, Angshu, axiotea, Tigerlily has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bema (25936) 2011-11-23 22:38

Hi Bulent,

really an chrming and very sucessfully restored "old" door.. like a lot the colors here, the play of lighr and shadow is very prleasant..

thanks for sharing, see you around, kind regards Bernd

danyy (0) 2011-11-23 23:34

Hi Bulent,
détail architectural autant qu'ornemental, une porte jolie et solide à la fois, dans le matériau le plus noble et le plus naturel qu'est le bois.
Le soleil rasant donne de jolis effets d'ombres.
Mes amitiés.
Daniel.

Graal (88852) 2011-11-24 0:23

Hello Bulent,
an interesting construction of mediaval doors. Good composition. Photo I like.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

papagolf21 (76515) 2011-11-24 0:56

Bonjour, cher ami Bulent,
Magnifique porte à l'ancienne. Pentures en fer forgé, lames de bois cloutées, serrure ancienne, portail cintré.
Le tout ressort magnifiquement avec ce jeu d'ombre et de lumière.
Amitiés.
Philippe

dta (51378) 2011-11-24 0:58

Hello Bulent ,
Simply framed , this is a splendid old door . Fine effect of the shades .
Regards

Royaldevon (17791) 2011-11-24 3:23

Good Morning Bulent,

Like you, I am always interested in old, characterful doors. This is not only interesting because of its richly coloured wood, its strong hinges and patterned studs but also its wonderful shadows, producing quite a 3D effect.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

timecapturer (30300) 2011-11-24 3:37

Hi Bulent
a beautiful study made all the more striking by your superb management of the light and shadows. They add such interesting and fascinating shapes. executed flawlessly and an appealing presentation. Well done!

Have a great day - Brian.

madhumita_roy86 (2144) 2011-11-24 4:55

Hello Bulent ,
interesting shot... good colour tones...
Fine effects of colour & shades...nice old door...
beautiful presentation... Tfs!
With warm regards,
Madhumita.

sabermonajati (7587) 2011-11-24 7:51

hi
interesting and nice door you captured.
regard
saber

Sonata11 (28289) 2011-11-24 8:16

Hello Bulent,
the medieval door impressed me a lot. Somebody did wonderful restoration work, which come out flawlessly. Maybe I missed this door in Malbork castle ?, hehe.
The place which this door belong to, must be a very beautiful and interesting. I like this photo.
All the best,
Barbara

jhm (122410) 2011-11-24 8:21

Dear Bulent,

I like truly of the metal hinges, very well handwork.
First year archicture must everyone this draw make for exam, with hand free.
Nice picture through the shadow lines diagonal about the door.
Sharpness and clarity be superb.
Excellent captured, wonderful composed.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

Bluejeans (64227) 2011-11-24 9:16

Ola Bulent ,
Bem interessante esta porta medieval feita de madeira com estas dobradiças de ferro , gostei muito dos detalhes e das sombras , boa luz ,parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

nobuikehonda (3846) 2011-11-24 9:17

Hello Professor Atalay,

A remarkably well-restored door, I would like to call this a fine portrait. It is always nice to see an old tradition so well cared for and nurtured. Unfortunately, this is not the case where I am at the moment. I realise how difficult it is sometimes to keep traditions alive. But I would like to see a little more effort made actively from the people here. The photo reveals very remarkable traditions; an effort is made to keep the old door alive. The lighting brings out the details of this door so well. I find the charm of this old door irresistible. The door has also touched you. The photo and the existence of this old door are very reassuring. I am very glad that you have taken this photo.

With my very best and warm regards,
Almost the weekend again, Professor
Nobu.

cagla (3716) 2011-11-24 14:49

Merhaba.. Kapi cekmeyi ben de cok seviyorum, bu da metal aksaminin golgeleriyle cok guzel bir kapi olmus. Bunda da transform uygulayip diklestirdiniz mi? Bir kac hafta once biz de Floransa'daydik ve heykeller gercekten muthisti..Elinize saglik Bulent Bey, ic ice gecmis aciklamalarla yazdiginiz notlari okumak da cok keyifli oluyor. Selamlar.

shevchenko (18243) 2011-11-25 2:50

Hi Bulent,
Tidy shot and good frame to show the old door and old wall, clear to see the design of an old door, sunlight and shading add nice effects to the scene, distinct image, well done.
Ally

anokutan (15097) 2011-11-25 3:50

Bülent bey merhaba,
Kapıdaki zarafet az olmuş gibi bir de yatay ışık üstüne bir kat daha güzellik katmış.Saygılarımla.

bukitgolfb301 (30063) 2011-11-26 1:20

Hi my dear Bulent

Sorry for my dull reaction weekday as usual, but I still enjoy your garalley very much.
So perfect frameworked shot, simple but strong message you have conveyed. Vertical format is quite suietable with this situation. Sharp and tasteful color touch is marvelous as usual. Usage light and shade is very wisely effective. Thanks for sharing with your finest work and have a good Saturday,
Best regrads.

Takero from early winter Tokyo.

Cricri (86391) 2011-11-26 10:08

Hi Bulent
Magnifique porte médiévale,avec un joli jeu d'ombre et de lumière,avec une texture magnifique
Belle soirée
cricri

ChrisJ (86854) 2011-11-27 0:49

Merhaba Bulent

I love the top & side lighting here revealing the textures on the door. Good sharpness & effective tight framing. Attractive warm colors & good saturation. Have a nice Sunday!

jlbrthnn (79773) 2011-11-28 3:56

Hello Bulent,
It is well seen this door in its ancient frame, in this famous village. I appreciate) the composition, with the inclusion of the greenery. Excellent light, colors and neatness. Bravo.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

Hansaphotos (5419) 2011-11-28 6:35

Hello Bulent

A great play of light and shadow emphasizes the texture of the old wooden door in a delicate way. Splendid details and an interesting note. Very nice work:) TFS. Have a nice day.

Best regards, Erling

peppe59 (14547) 2011-11-28 10:48

Ciao Bulent,
how much history in a door?
excellent quality and perfect insight, interesting.
congratulations and good week
peppe

Longroute (19390) 2011-11-28 12:08

Why do we feel attracted by doors? (and windows too)
Because they stimulate our curiosity?
This is really a mediaeval door as we can see in films. I like the shape, the colour - so golden - the textures and that splendid light which makes everything so alive and real.
Quite a simple and pretty composition, and it's just the case to say: well framed! (:-)

All the best,
Donato

agulberk (3790) 2011-11-28 19:03

Merhaba Bülent Hocam.
Harika bir kompozisyon ve mükemmel bir sunum. Renkler ve gölgeler çok hoş omuş. Güneş ışığının çarpıcı etkisi ahşap kapının güzelliğini harika yansıtmış.
Tebrikler.
Selamlar ve Sevgiler...

Atousa (7097) 2011-11-29 8:40

Salam Bulent,

Nice mysterious atmosphere created by the shadows on this old door.. the details are well captured n the management of light is fine.. thank you.
Best regards, Atousa

vasilpro (40192) 2011-11-29 13:23

Hello Bulent,
Excellent work on that restored old wooden door, beautiful light and contrast, vivid colors, very nice framework, TfS!
Greetings, Vasilis.

paololg (31442) 2011-11-29 15:22

Yes, dear Bulent, I too share your interest in the old things. I think that the old things have a special charm that attracts like a magnet and always reserves pleasant and interesting surprises. This ancient door has not escaped your excellent spirit of observation, an essential characteristic of every good photographer. Excellent especially the perfect photo quality that allows us to appreciate every detail, even the smallest. Congratulations!
Ciao, have a nice Wednesday!
Paolo

subhendu_bagchi (16590) 2011-11-29 21:50

namaste Professor,
a nice minimal composition. Interesting capture with this door frame. With the shadow it creates nice graphism here. Light is very well managed and nice sharpness. Excellent work. Tfs.
Best wishes.
Subhendu

delpeoples (44904) 2011-11-30 2:11

Merhaba dear Bulent

What a characteristic old door. Its textures and the play of light on its face are so beautifully placed. and realised. A very charming, simple, yet meaningful image.

Warmest regards
Lisa

kato (6761) 2011-12-01 3:05

Hello Bulent,

You're capturing well this door by a good composition and excellent tone/clarity, so it's impressive and interesting to see the of Middle Ages. It's good design and shape. It's interesting in a lot of rivets in door, too. And, the light put aslant draws out additional good effect in this immage.

Regards,
mikio

TopGeo (37994) 2011-12-01 9:44

Hello Bulent! Very beautiful photo, excellent subject, wonderful, artist idea! great composition with architecture detail, and framing, great note and theme of doors! Excellent light management, wonderful colours and wonderful shadows!
best regards
Georgios

adores (28196) 2011-12-04 16:27

Hi Bulent!
How are you all there:)?
The light and shadow on this beautiful old door made a very good composition.Well framed and with very good light and sharpness!

lakshmip1949 (19110) 2011-12-04 17:10

Hello Bulent,

This is a beautiful wooden door with nice architectural details. I like the way the light and shade falling on it. The brown color goes well against the grey wall. Very sharp image with nice textures.

Lakshmi

mesutilgim (67940) 2011-12-10 15:02

Selam sevgili Bülent,
Bu kapı gözümden kaçmış ! Belki de böylesi kapılar bizde çok olduğundan olacak. Kapı üserindeki gölgeler muhteşem.
Bilgi notları ise her zaman olduğu gibi, bilimsel bir tez niteliğinde.
Tebrikler
Selam ve sevgiler
MESUT ILGIM

Silvio1953 (98093) 2011-12-13 6:02

Ciao Bulent, splendid light on lovely doors, beautiful simple composition, excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Angshu (51174) 2011-12-14 6:41

Hello Professor 'A'
Pretty old door, made of solid wood. The long iron hinges with their artistic curves are nice. The play of light & shadow also has been well captured
With Warmest regards
Angshuman

axiotea (21647) 2011-12-15 7:20

Bonsoir Bulent
Interesting theme too! I've got as well some "Medieval door" photographies, made in a small Medieval village in France, but I did not post any yet ;D
I appreciate the tight framing concentrating our view on the subject without interference. The lights/shades make it for a pleasant picture.

Thank you, again, for adding my photo to your "Picture at an Exhibition's theme"

Best regards
Marilyn

Fis2 (73084) 2012-01-22 4:48

Witaj Bulent!
A very curious door.
Good frame and composition.
I like light and shadow.
Well done.
Best regards
Krzysztof

aliabazari (10105) 2012-02-03 9:23

Hello ... ...
Good record with beautiful color

With respect

amaryllis (30149) 2012-02-26 1:56

Bonjour
cette porte médiévale restaurée est superbe, le soleil et les ombres donnent un bel effet et le peu de végétation rajoute une note de couleur
belle réalisation
Juliette

Tigerlily (2343) 2012-06-15 7:52

Hello Bulent,
I passed by this door a few times, stopped by.. but couldn't find anything to say.. but still there is always a good feeling about this.. A nice cosy, sunny afternoon..perhaps.
Beautiful light, nice texture, I also like the shadows formed the lines crossing the door..