View fullsize

CORNER PILLAR

PONT ALEXANDRE III, PARIS

Image Number 76a

The Pont Alexandre III  is Paris's most elegant bridge, ornamented with fine sculpture work.  It comprises a single leaf arch that spans the Seine in a great curve, lowered so as not to obstruct the view of the Champs-Elysées or les Invalides.  The first stone was placed by Tsar Nicholas II and the bridge was opened at the 1900 Universal Exhibition.  Amongst the decorations are four 17 metre high corner pillars, bearing four gilded bronze equestrian groups which represent Pegasus held by Fame.  The Grand Palais is in the distance.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1.6 seconds and aperture F9.  150 mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  Shadow areas have been opened using Capture One.  Photographed just after sunset in failing light.