An Eternity in Exile Photo

Photographer’s Note

In a quiet corner of Ravenna down a straight narrow street and backing into a beautiful park is a small domed mausoleum that belongs to one of history's greatest writers. This is the tomb of the Florentine author Dante Alighieri most well know for his Divine Comedy.

How did it come about that he is buried in Ravenna. Well, after Dante got involved in Florentine politics he became embroiled in the turbulence of the Florentine state. On an embassy to Pope Boniface VIII to bring up the interference of the Papacy in Florentine politics he was banished. He never again saw his hometown, Florence, and died 20 years later in exile in Ravenna in 1321. So even to this day his exile continues.

This little tomb was designed by Camillo Morigia and built in 1780. On the inside is the sarcophagus and a relief from the 15th century depicting Dante. Also inside is a lamp kept burning by oil from Tuscan olive trees donated annually by the city of Florence.

joso, liakoshim, kajenn, jhm, bertolucci, Rinie_Hoff, sulucas, dinaydase, elihesamian, Sekhmet73 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

joso (1786) 2004-04-01 2:35

I like that you didn't made a closeup about it, that you also present the surrounding. The presence of people gives even more depth, trough the perspective everything - the line of the roofs, the windows - are pointing the mausoleum.
Documentary photo, informative note - well done, Paul.

liakoshim (565) 2004-04-01 3:05

good perspective in this shot, agree with previous comment that it adds value to include people and surrounding environment. nice note also. cheers

snuggleaphagus (4138) 2004-04-01 3:41

The thought of the bird in a golden cage occurs to me after reading your note and seeing your photo. The buildings have lovely colors. The people bringa special dimension to this scene, and their postures give this photo a sense of fluid tranquility.

kajenn (2323) 2004-04-01 5:20

This is nice! This is it! This is Italy with a capital I, Paul! The narrow street leading towards a historic monument, dwelling one of the greatest writers of all times. And all around is business as usual - everyday Italian activity, represented by the people and the parked car in your picture, the flags and the beautiful lamps.

Le due signorine who just have made their purchases "a la mode", la signora on her way to the market, families with children in the background. All very elegantly grouped around the main object - the Dante mausoleum. And as always a nice note. Maybe just a little distraction of "something" to the left - I'll try a workshop.

[workshop] [compare] +

jhm (81589) 2004-04-01 6:17

Ravenna it one beautiful art city Paul, your note is very good. This difficult with tourists if disturbing element but your photo is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

wilkinsonsg (8644) 2004-04-01 6:27

Once again an excellent shot made more interesting by your notes :)

bertolucci (11976) 2004-04-01 6:37

A picture in pleasing superia-chrome again Paul. A nice arrangement: the tomb at the end of a small street, surrounded by passers by who possibly take this small edifice with is significant history for granted. In a way the Fiat adds nicely to this arrangement. Very informative note too. Good job, Paul.

Georges (11183) 2004-04-01 16:48

PResentation qui nous permet de nous promener dans cette rue avec ce cadrage judicieux. C'est bien vu Bravo Paul.

dinaydase (651) 2004-04-09 17:11

SO we are back to Italy pictures again ha Paul. It's been while I couldn't wander in the site only posted my photos and closed because I was very busy. Anyways, I think this is a very nice street, the path and the walls of the buildings and the colors look very tranquil. I like the calmness of the photo. Regards, Seda...

elihesamian (26091) 2004-10-23 12:21

Dante ?!!
Great,Paul,glad to see this shat in your gallery,what a nice info,thanks.
very well captured and colors have a beautiful harmony here,...and perspective in well concentrate to center of the shot,it's interesting with the people in the shot,very well composed,nicely done,Paul.
Yours
Mohammad