Frantisek by Chipka
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
Hello Frantisek:
I wonder: did Max and the others ever call you that? Or perhaps, Franya, as I have on occasion? I know that you prefer German to Czech--a sign of your times, I suppose, and so I question your reaction to the Czech diminutives of your name. I doubt that you'd care one way or the other, but still: I wonder.
I've returned to Prague, as you may have guessed. She's still the same half-mad seductress, and few can resist her charms. I, however, am a willing supplicant before her sometimes ludicrous wiles. I think you can understand that. I've followed in your footsteps, again, seeing the places you've been. I've been to a few of the places we went together, the tea-house especially. It was there, that a woman actually asked me if you ever smiled. I don't know how or why, but it seems that I've been the elected "expert" on your emotional displays.
I had to laugh at that, because I've heard the stories about your smiles, and your wild sense of humor. I have pictures of you and Max at the beach: Max, looking like Max, and you looking as if you're about to pull a prank on the hapless photographer. Nobody guesses these things about you, but I guess it doesn't really matter. It might surprise you to know that it's your writing that is famous around the world. (You so assiduously IGNORE that fact.) We've never actually spoken of it, especially since I know how much you didn't want fame of the sort you acquired. That was Max's doing, but please don't be too angry with him; he did what he thought was best and well, it just goes to show how much respect you actually had. He's a good friend to you so please, don't besmirch your fame with anger over it. You've given something to the world, and maybe in a sense, the tyrant who shaped your life is no longer an influence you must retreat from. I've told you that a dozen times, but I know how hard headed you are, so I'm telling you again.
Ah, but I am rambling. The main reason for this letter to you is simple. I wish to send you my greetings and to thank you for your presence in Prague last summer. So many people remember you, and when they see me, they ask where you are and what you're up to. My friends, Pavel, Katja, Stepan, and Rado have all enquired after you: "that quiet guy." And I've told them that you're fine. Don't make a liar out of me...write back and tell me that things are going well.
Best regards, my friend
C.
****
A bit of a strange ramble, because I found myself wandering through Old Town and coming face to face with the house in which Franz Kafka was born. It was a somewhat sunny day, but as I stood in front of Kafka's "Native House" clouds had rolled in over the city and the street (also named after him) was gloomy and nearly devoid of color. I'd recently read a short story by China Mivielle, "Looking for Jake" and so the idea of a fictional letter popped into my mind...you've just read it.
I'd taken to the habit of carrying a post card of Kafka around Prague, and I became somewhat infamous as "Kafka's friend." When I returned here from Dortmund, I brought the post card with me, substantially beaten and worn for wear. As soon as I'd settled somewhat enough to meet up with other friends, they all asked, "Where is Franya?" Which is where this image and text came from.
Hopefully you enjoy it, and as always, thank you for viewing and reading and commenting on this and on my previous posts.
Comments (23)
MagikUnicorn
Excellent ;-)
Kartika
A great nostalgia comes from this photography! Excellent work!
Liam.
LOL! Cool idea and great presentation. Yes, I agree there is a lot of nostalgia. A very warm image.
halcon_89
Genial amigo+++5
SSoffia
PERFECT CAPTURE & COMPOSITION !!!!!
Valerie-Ducom
Oh, full in emotion and very nice composition photographic ! Fantastic ! Good day :)
JaneEden
This is an excellent artistic shot, I love it and reminds me I need a drink - hugs Jane xx
beachzz
The creases in the post card make it look like a very old foto, you bring something special to a couple of very unspecial items. The lights, shadows, reflections all add to this wonderful shot!!
tofi
This image is simple, yet quite complex in its interpretations and possible analysis. I see and feel the theme of time... chronological time, that is. It as though the past is being remembered and reminisced through a favourite present past time (perhaps?_), as the two very different, yet meaningful "subjects" you've juxtaposed are a reflection of one another; a mirror image---ironically.... I love the wood, and the tone created through the artist (whom is yourself, ofcourse). Excellent idea and composition. There is also a great sense of longing that is left behind---- perhaps a distant memory. Really phenomenal work, my friend! This is marvellous!
sessan53
Superb shot. Excellent capture...:-)hugs sessan
shahlaa
I agree with beachzz....no one would think to give a second glance at a worn tattered photo and a glass of beer but they don't have to in your image because at one glance they can see the special quality...it sets the mood of a friendship past, a friendship missed, thoughts escaping back to a moment in time maybe shared over a mug of beer such as in Your image...I like this, simple but special...very well done my friend.
mbz2662
I like this shot with the grain of the wood, the well-worn photograph that looks as if it's been carried around and looked at often by a loved one and the drink to toast the memory of a friend.
RobyHermida
THIS WORK IS WONDERFUL!!! Like me a lot!!! He sends you my congratulations my friend!!!!!!!!!!! The hugs Roby
auntietk
Marvellous work. I love your writing, and it makes this rather haunting photograph even more special. Beautiful work!
NekhbetSun
I enjoyed this immensely...'nother fantastic post Chip !
romanceworks
A wonderful warm photo, full of past and present, with a touch of sadness. And your letter went so perfectly with the mood of the image. You are an excellent writer. CC
krakosky
i like beer, i love beer, yes more beer, excellent compo, great idea.
vlaaitje
a picture with so many memories, simple but full of charisma, you always has such a wonderful ideas, and this one is touching, no doubts
cameraobscura2
Greetings, Before commenting upon your image, allow me to say that I truly appreciated reading what you had to say and it allowed for one to understand the image better, even tough I feel the story was not necessary from enjoying the image. On a technical note, the natural lighting is beautiful, including the elements themselves. I would have preferred seeing one more element to complete the triad, even though the story is about Kafka and beer. The fact that this is a modern postcard that has been worn and well traveled is perfect and even provides charm of a time long past. In general, I really like this photographs appeal. Thank you for sharing. egmont
Rainbowgirl
I love the mood you have captured so well. It is Kafkaesk in a way and it has something retro about it. Imagining gentlemen dressed in black suits drinking their glass in an old smokestained pub. Cosy and still a bit frightening. You do not know what horror awaits yu just one step further. I do not know if anyone called him Frantisek and it doesn't really matter, does it? He is part of all our heritage whatever one may call him.
trishabadblood
wonderful..
Janiss
Oh la la Chip "FABULOUS"! Franz and the glass are my favorite subjetcs and this shot is perfect! I adore the tones and the shadow... a wonderfull Artpict!
TombStonepl
I really adore this picture... Its so simple, but so powerfull... The darkness, the colours, the composition, POV, and great picture on great old table with nice czech lager (is it Budwaiser^^). Really nice job Mate, love this