..taken near the Great Lawn..
Cleopatra’s Needle (“L’aiguille de Cléopâtre” in French) is the popular name for each of three Ancient Egyptian obelisks re-erected in London, Paris, and New York City during the nineteenth century. The London and New York ones are a pair, while the Paris one comes from a different original site, where its pair remains. Although the needles are genuine Ancient Egyptian obelisks, they are somewhat misnamed as they have no particular connection with Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt, and were already over a thousand years old in her lifetime. The Paris “needle” was the first to be moved and re-erected, and the first to acquire the nickname.
28 replies on “cleopatra’s needle”
I have to admit my ignorance in not knowing the significance and history of these monuments, and you’ve educated me with this post. What a great composition with super framing and a perfect choice of mono.
A really interesting and informative post, thank you
Well I learned something new today too, great mono, the trees framing the “needle” is perfect. Well done.
I thought it was the Washington monument. I like this in greyscale.
Lovely b&w image! Net of branches in silhouette added more charm!
live and learn, coz Rian always explains 🙂 great pic my friend
Interesting story, I only knew the French one. I like your compo, the alley opening towards the obelisk.
The framing with the trees is what makes this image great for me Rian. Love the monochrome processing, creates a dramatic mood. Excellent shot!
Great picture. Love the black and white.
A fine image and history that was very informative. The tree screen works out very well.
Nice job of shooting.
The crooked form of the branches leading to the obelisk is fantastic, they add to the history and age of the photo.
Great image…love the black and white and I also learned something new today!
i like the spooky trees approach, similar to what I have up on my site right now. =D Great shot!
Nicely composed and love the b + w processing…very interesting commentary. I had no idea…
Great composition where the trees seems to communicate with Cleopatra soul.
SwissCharles
First… lovely shot. I like that you chose B&W for it. The framing with the trees is really great! BUT… even more.. I had no idea this was a real thing from Egypt nor did I realize it was that old. You would think that for all the times I’ve seen it, I would have read the damned sign! Is there a sign! ha! Great post Rian.
Interesting. I never heard of this nickname. It is ,ot used in French. Nice pîcture with those trees intricating the obelisk.
très intéressante composition… j’aime ces noirs charbonneux
Great symmetry in this shot … excellent composition.
interesting bit of trivia.
I like those trees.. very well composed.
I shot only you can take in the winter. Come spring and summer the leaves would block the view. Really coolshot
un ongle dans les doigts d’esthéticiennes défeuillées. Petit cours d’histoire intéressant
Love the perfect symmetry.
Interesting info. A fine image. Perfect b&w !
your image is beautifully handled. and i really enjoy the historical information you provide.
Great shot. I love how the trees interfere, as if encroaching on the statue. They add so much texture and interest.
Looks great in b&W. I really like the framing of the shot with the trees on each side.
wow, that thing is old! great composition here. love it.
[…] tip of cleopatra’s needle.. EXIF information model Canon EOS 40D exposureTime 1/80 s fnumber f/7.1 focalLength 68 […]