At the Steps of the National Museum by Chipka
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Description
I’d originally planned a different post than this one, a bit of photo manipulation that isn’t cooperating as well as I’d like…so rather than rush myself and post an unfinished work, I’ve gone through my files and I found something that I’d intended to post earlier.
People who visit Prague are familiar with the hulking National Museum. It dominates the head of Wenceslas Square and is a stunning work of architecture. There were times when I’d found myself getting off the #9 tram and rushing through morning crowds, only to arrive at my class just in the nick of time. I’d always passed the National Museum and passed this spot. I never really paid attention to it until one night, I found myself getting off of the #9 tram and taking a more leisurely stroll.
This is the base of the National Museum steps, lit as they normally are. When people stop to photograph this magnificent building, they never really look at the smaller parts of it. I was immediately halted by the play of light and shadow, so naturally I had to capture it and hold on to it. Somehow.
An added bit of significance to this image is the fact that it’s just a few meters away from the spot where Jan Palach set himself on fire. This happened on January 16, 1969. His act of self-immolation was a horrendously profound protest against the Soviet invasion that began in August of 1968. His funeral served as the flash-point for massive demonstrations against Soviet occupation. One month after Palach’s suicide/protest, another student, Jan Zajic set himself on fire for the exact same reason. These two deaths are marked in the cobblestones just in front of these steps. The area is a shrine to the two students and to all victims of Soviet occupation. And though you can’t see the small shrine from this vantage point, it’s not impossible to actually feel the impact and importance of those two deaths. People who actually saw those incendiary deaths stood where I stood, only their focus was just a bit more to the right than mine. I can’t help but think of Jan Palach and Jan Zajic when I look at this image, and so, in a way, it’s dedicated to them.
As always, thank you for viewing and commenting on this and on previous works!
Comments (26)
ToniDunlap
It's a magnificent post. It wants me to explore. In the darkness with enough light to enjoy my excursion. Excellent.
photostar
Yes, you have captured details that most people pass right by and never take a notice to. The nighttime lighting is stunning as the architectural prowess of the designers and builders is truly appreciated.
mickuk50
this has great style to it and a pic that is quite mysterious .as always an excellent narrative :o) mick
Fred255
Excellent night photo, under what looks like difficult conditions. POV is perfect. The only crit I have is I would have cloned out the bit of curb bottom left. It's slightly distracting from the rest of the great photo.
danob
Fabulous knowing ones city pays dividends!
mbz2662
As always, your words enhance an already fabulous photo.
MrsRatbag
Beautiful image....
micturn
Great post.
MrsLubner
There is a great deal of strength in this shot. The deep shadows of the night, the bright lights guiding the way... A superb capture.
MagikUnicorn
Very nice illumination COOL SHOT
beachzz
Beautiful foto, Chip, and your narrative adds so much power to it. I know exactly that feeling of being in the same spot where something so important occurred; I felt it in Truckee, Ca, at the Donner Memorial park--it's very powerful!!
Rainbowgirl
I admire your ability to find the small spots instead of being distracted by the big ones. The little glimpses that we normally see but do not realize and that so often have a special significance. This shot is a prime example. It's a photo with very powerful play of light and shadow, a reminiscence of the eternal fight between them, thus your image matches the dedication in much more than the incident of proximity.
koosievantutte
very fine detail - great mood.
Heathcroft
Great Pic and descriptivetext Chip. That aside, I can see aliens creeping along that wall getting ready to mount the steps and let themselves loose in the city. They would be underlit by the spots which would really be good. But that's just me.
durleybeachbum
Marvellous evocative image, and fascinating commentary!
GiMi53
I really like how the light support the mood of this well composed image ! Thank you also for the interesting accompanying text ! Enjoy your week-end, my friend !
furuta
Wonderful image, perfect exposure, great scene !!
romanceworks
A rather haunting image with a ghost-lit path for lost souls to walk. CC
auntietk
Wonderful and moody! A haunting narrative, as well.
NekhbetSun
Awesome dedi and too bad about the two Jans...love this Chip ! ~ Hugs ~
nikolais
Chip, quite a story. The capture crowns it all. I remember that time clearly (my final year at university).
Janiss
Really GORGEOUS Chip, light POV, atmosphere.... all is sublim my friend... I take!;-)
stolta
Excellent!
PD154
Wonderful capture, a real dramatic vibe to this shot!
elisheba
Very cool capture, the angle and spots make it pretty special.
KatesFriend
A beautiful ribbon of lights.