Cloister of Benedict XII - 2 by brewgirlca
Open full image in new tab Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
So far I have focused on maximizing the dark gothic side of the Papal Palace at Avignon. Being the epitomy of gothic architecture, and being the center of medieval Christianity, this was not all that difficult to do.
However, the palace does have another side, a lighter and more airy side - it can excude a feeling of warmth, a richness and a calmness.
As I take you through some of the major interiors of the palace I am going to switch genres and try to bring out its warm and hopefully lighter mystical side.
It was interesting that a single structure could excude such contrasts... but then again it is huge, it was built over several decades, was inhabited by six popes and it did serve a multiplicity of purposes.
Being that cloisters are places of spirtiual transition it seems fitting to start this second chapter where the first one ended - in Benedict's Cloister. Here we experience the warm inviting feel of this place as opposed to its dark and forboding character as shown in my previous B & W studies.

Comments (19)
Equally impressive in color!
Another very wonderful capture!
It's amazing how color can change the perception of this place. Now it looks calm and peaceful, not like in B & W, which was transmitting a feeling of tightness and hardness. I love the textures, especially the contrast between the gravel and grass
Beautiful place and so much rich history.
This is in very fine shape for it's age and still looks pretty impressive. Some flowers would be nice - lol. That looks like it's probably the original bell in the tower up there. That's impressive! Every time I see 'Avignon' I think of the silly little round song we learned in school, in French "Sur le Pont d'Avignon"...that an "Frere Jacques".
Quite a different feeling from your last post, very nice shot! Still, the B&W had something as well.
Beautiful... love the contrast after the last one. :)
You got the shadows and the blue sky well balanced. It is strange there are no flowers to brighten it up!
What a wonderful capture Roxie, and I very much enjoyed seeing this lighter side.
Very beautiful view Roxy interesting POV
A bright, appealing shot, yet it seems kind of tame & flat compared to the previous b&w shots you posted. Which I find a little odd, since I usually prefer color & think of it as adding life & vibrancy to images...
@photosyn.... There is no denying the overwhelming power of black and white photography to make impact statements.
Indeed, the color dies make the place considerably less foreboding. This does have a more relaxing, and inviting feel - and the place is still huge! A wonderful tour you're taking us on, Roxy!
Another fantastic POV... Marvelous image also !
excellent
Very nice. The color contrasting with the B&W images is well done. The B&W really does bring out that imposing and seemingly dark period. But this color image makes the place seem much more peaceful. Great view and image.
Seems much less unfriendly and cold thanks the green lawn and blue sky!
The views you are seeing are amazing. Keep on sending us these visions of your journey.
Can almost hear the soft chanting songs and prayers! Beautiful and serene capture!