Celestial Symmetry
by Blair Wainman
Title
Celestial Symmetry
Artist
Blair Wainman
Medium
Photograph - Print
Description
In 1657, the Roman Catholic Sulpician Order arrived in Ville-Marie, now known as Montreal; six years later the seigneury of the island was vested in them. They ruled until 1840. The parish they founded was dedicated to the Holy Name of Mary, and the parish church of Notre-Dame was built on the site in 1672.
By 1824 the congregation had completely outgrown the church, and James O�Donnell, an Irish-American Protestant from New York, was commisioned to design the new building. O�Donnel was a proponent of the Gothic Revival architectural movement, and designed the church as such. It is said that the experience of designing Notre-Dame affected O�Donnel so profoundly that he converted to Catholicism just prior to his 1930 death. He is the only person to be buried in the church�s crypt.
When the structure was finished it was the largest church in North America. The interior took much longer, and Victor Bourgeau, who also worked on Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal, worked on it from 1872 to 1879. Stonemason John Redpath was a major participant in the construction of the Basilica.
Uploaded
December 18th, 2010
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Viewed 478 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 04/26/2024 at 1:37 AM
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Comments (14)
Rhonda McDougall
Thank you for your response. Glad to hear you're okay. No word from our friends but I'm trusting they're safe. News images are unbelievable -- I used to work in downtown Calgary. Heart-breaking to see the devastation everywhere.
Rhonda McDougall
Hi Blair ... Your photographs are amazing -- inspirational and beautiful. With the devastating flooding happening in southern Alberta, I'm hoping that you, your family and your home are safe. One of our friends in Calgary (Inglewood) had to evacuate her home with her two sons and the family dog. My prayers are with all living beings who are touched by the ongoing disaster. Be safe.
Blair Wainman replied:
Hi Rhonda! Thank you so much for your kind words! I am indeed very safe! This is my home address but I work overseas so am quite a ways away from the flooded area. But my cousin and her husband live in Turner Valley...I have not heard how they are doing. My brother-in-law had to evacuate downtown Calgary and cancel the computer class he was teaching so it still hits close to home! Hope your friends are safe now!!
Rhonda McDougall
Wow! You've captured the essence of this beautiful, spiritual space. When I visit Notre Dame "Time" stands still for me. Words fail to describe the incredible colors, the artistry ... the ornate beauty created by the hands of the craftsmen at the time ... people who seem to have put their hearts and souls into their work. Never before have I noticed the gold in the floor .... never have I been here without throngs of tourists. The next time I return to Notre Dame I would love to experience the peace and quiet that you show here! Your image is a tribute to God and to those craftsmen ... and to the Human Spirit. Thank you for sharing it.
Blair Wainman replied:
Thank you Rhonda!! I had been a few times but never had a chance to really focus on photography of this place...until 3 years ago! I could have spent all day there...really!! It was so wonderful! I appreciate the details of your comment as I feel the same!! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts here!
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