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"Het Steen"


Photo Information
Copyright: Tsilla Nahari (tnahari) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 729 W: 110 N: 1684] (9993)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-11-10
Categories: Architecture, Nocturnal
Exposure: f/2.8
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2008-12-20 1:14
Viewed: 279
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
"Het Steen" (The Stone) - Antwerpen, Belgium

The Steen Castle is one of the oldest fortresses in Europe located on the waterfront square named Steenplein . Not much is known about its early years, except that the city was a trading village as far back as 700 a.d., Norse seamen sacked the place after 800 a.d., and the castle was built some time after 900 a.d. as part of the western fortifications of the Holy Roman Empire. The painter Pieter Paul Rubens lived in the castle during his declining years, and it is currently home to the National Scheepvaartmuseum (Belgian National Maritime Museum). The Steen was rebuilt in the 16th century, and you can tell the new stonework from the old stonework by the color. Outside is a cross where condemned convicts would pray before being executed during the centuries when the Steen was used as a prison. The castle actually appears on the city's coat of arms, flanked by a pair of severed hands. This comes from the legend of the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo. He is said to have challenged Druon Antigon, the giant who charged people a toll to cross the Scheldt River not far from the castle Steen. Those who could not pay had their hands cut off and thrown into the river. According to the legend, Silvius Brabo cut off the giant's hands and threw them into the river, thus freeing the bridgehead. it is interesting to note that the city's Flemish name "Antwerpen" means "to throw a hand."
The entrance to the Steen Castle is guarded by the statue of Lange Wapper, a Flemish folklore legend.  He was reported to be a mischievous fellow who got his jollies from peeping into people's homes at night. 

not much pp done, you can see original in ws.
chrisJ, piccolina, burak28, gnada has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • chrisJ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4228 W: 414 N: 6653] (42081)
  • [2008-12-20 1:32]

Hi Tsilla

A marvellous colour combination of amber & blue & a well composed view of the old castle. Maybe a bit more sharpness? I like the fg statue at left. Merry Xmas!

Hi Tsilla,

we are neighbours today. I remember this castle from my trip to Belgium. I just love the landscape and the architecture there.

I love this image because of one reason...not much PP work done. And I like that. I like 'natural' images.

Have a nice day,

Stasa

Hi Tsilla
wonderful castle and nocturnal shot
i like colour
Paolo

Hi Tsilla
Great nocturnal shot
Wonderful architectural details and note
Have a nice days
Burak

Hi Tsilla, fantastic castle with splendid colors, great nocturne shoot, sharpness is no important, very well done, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • gnada Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2662 W: 74 N: 4763] (21687)
  • [2008-12-27 11:03]

Hi Tsilla...

Wonderful architectural night capture..!
Very interesting point of view. Looks great with this perspective.
Nice color - Well done.
Best Regards,
George

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