Rather
recently I made a post (see here) about doorknockers, handles, knobs… I took pictures in some of the neighbouring streets, but then
missed this one, one of the most spectacular I have seen so far, 5 Avenue Sully-Prudhomme! It’s on the
front door of a “hôtel particulier” from 1913, which was built for a music
editor, Massacrié-Durand, with an important catalogue of especially French
composers (Massenet, Debussy, Saint-Saëns, Ravel…).
I
discovered the story behind the doorknocker, thanks to my blogger friend “Paris-bise-art”
who wrote about it here. He wonders what
the two personalities are supposed to represent… thinking especially about
Bacchus / Dionysos. However, considering the profession of the original owner of the building, I wonder if it possibly
could be Apollo, the God of Music (and Arts, Poetry…) overlooking, with a
friendly smile, a Siren (generally represented with wings), known for their –
dangerous - enchanting music and singing voices… ? I don’t know. Maybe someone
will? But, somehow, the face looks more like Bacchus.... ??
The decorative
relief which can be found above the entrance door is of course also clearly of
musical inspiration…
… whereas
the other ones seem to be more linked to “nature”.
Posts
6 comments:
Perhaps Homer would have the right answers to your questions, Peter?
Discarding the sitting figure - too flat chested - for a siren...it looks to me like Dionysus/Bacchus (headdress of grapes and its leaves) smiling on Orpheus sitting on his lyre.
Just saying...
Love your photos and all of the building's ornaments.
Thank you so much!
Apart from the beauty of what you show us, so educative.
C'est à bien regarder qu'on s'aperçoit que la Capitale recèle de trésors.
And...of course...you were right about Apollo!
Re: Apollon sur le dôme de l'opéra Garnier, sculptée par Aimé Millet.
Wonderful illustrated information. I thank you about that. No doubt it will be very useful for my future projects. Would like to see some other posts on the same subject! paris
Whatever mythological figures they represent, the door knocker is exquisite! Glad you added it, Peter.
Kathryn
Post a Comment