Thomas Jefferson’s Temple on the Hill, a photo from Virginia, South

Photographer's Note

Thomas Jefferson’s Temple on the Hill

“The Capitol in the city of Richmond in Virginia is on the model of the temple of Erectheus at Athens, of Balbec, and of the Maison quarée of Nismes. All of which are nearly of the same form and proportions and are considered as the most perfect examples of cubic architecture.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

In 1785, two months into his tenure as the Ambassador to France, Thomas Jefferson agreed to design Virginia’s Capitol—from afar. Inspired by the Maison Carrée in Nimes, France, and based on classical Roman temple design, Jefferson’s Capitol, atop Shockoe Hill, is made of brick and covered with stucco. The Ionic columns on the South Portico contain the original pine tree center posts.

Today this building is the seat of state government in the commonwealth of Virginia and houses the oldest legislative body in the United States, the Virginia General Assembly. It is one of eleven capitols in the United States without an external dome.

The Virginia State Capitol introduced the Classical Revival temple style to the modern world. It has inspired countless public buildings for over 200 years. The Capitol was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

pajaran, kordinator, danos, Atousa, subhendu_bagchi, Charo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Urs (14082) 2010-10-03 20:21

Hi Betty

The first thing I liked where the bold contrasts of white, blue and green, what really maks your photograph outstanding. Vibrant color hues and fine sharpness with well written note. A very good photo job. Thanks for your critique of my fisherman's jetty.

Warm regards
urs

jadesgran (5433) 2010-10-03 23:06

Hi Betty
This shot really stands out.I like it a lot. mostly I think ,because the building is stark white against the beautiful blue sky,and the red of the roses softens the image .Two pictures in one nicely blended together.
Best Wishes Gladys.

danyy (0) 2010-10-03 23:44

Bonjour Betty,
un escellent cadrage où le bâtiment, avec sa blancheur, ne remarque pas de se distinguer, surtout dans une contre plongée qui le grandit.
Un POV vraiment bien choisi
Cheers.
Daniel.

kiasari (62) 2010-10-04 0:03

Hello Betty,

Nice composition with a Good POV and Well managed framing. I like the superb colors of the shot. Well done!

Regards,
Abbas

batalay (41261) 2010-10-04 17:59

Hello Betty,

What a majestic shot of the State Capital in Richmond! Indeed, over the years I've seen so many photos of it, and once even visited a Governor of Virginia in the distant past, I've never seen a more beautiful photograph of Jefferson's edifice. The red roses in the foreground make a dramatic troika of focal points, adding highlight to the to the dominant white, green and blue areas. I see that you took the photo on Oct. 2 with spectacular light conditions, and posted it just a day later.

Warm regards,

Bulent

pajaran (114867) 2010-10-05 23:18

Podzdrav.
Mnogo lepa arhitektura, zgrade generalne skupstine Virdzinije sa parkom i fontanom, dobra kompozicija.
Mnogo dobar tekst, lepe boje i fotografija, dobar rad i ugao snimka, svidja mi se.
Sve najbolje.
Paja.

Google.

Hello.
Lots of beautiful architecture, buildings, Virginia General Assembly with the park and fountain, good composition.
Lots of good text, pretty colors and pictures, good work and the angle shot, I like it.
All the best.
Paja.

kordinator (8738) 2010-10-06 0:32

Hello Betty
Great captured beautiful architecture.
Nice flowers and trees in the foreground.
Nice composition with a Good POV and well managed framing.
Fine colors,lighting,sharpness.
Great job.
Regards
Saša

AKITA (15125) 2010-10-06 14:39

dear Betty,
wow,
this white Greece style building looks shining and beautiful so much,
well designed graceful appearance is superb in your nice POV and composition,
especially fore red roses are excellent to make white temple so vivid,
thank you for your wonderful shot,
Akihisa

danos (110407) 2010-10-07 2:29

Hi Betty,
very nice presentation of Thomas Jefferson’s monument on the hill with the contrast of the colours to be just great.I like the POV as the way that the monument is outlined perfect against the blue sky.Well done.

Regards,Danos

Atousa (7131) 2010-10-09 8:49

Salam Betty,

I like your chosen pov n the calm atmosphere of the shot.. great color contrast n natural colors too.. its magnificent.. tfs
Best regards, Atousa

subhendu_bagchi (26091) 2010-10-16 1:12

Namaste Betty,
nice to watch at the beautiful white architecture with the contrasting blue sky at top. Very well managed light that we can see all details of this building. Very well composed shot. Tfs.
Best wishes.
Subhendu

Charo (51290) 2010-10-19 8:11

Hello Betty,
This beautiful neoclassical architecture, which mimics the Pantheon in Rome.
Excellent perspective from the source or garden, with wonderful light and detail.
Best wishes,
Charo