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Twilight over Paris as seen from the Arc de Triomphe.
Jonathan Reid | Travel Portfolio | Architecture Portfolio | Facebook
A flock of goats emerging from the Cornithinan Tomb - one of the great rock-cut Royal Tombs in Petra, Jordan.
Built 1872 .... in Neo-Classical style .... Matthew Bell, accomplished local stone carver and masonry contractor, built this house in the early 1870s. It is one of a series of notable stone houses which Bell constructed in Guelph. The distinguished scale and proportion of the building have been enriched with fine sculptural details in stone, including the window lintels, the ornate framing of the central doorway, and the three carved stone heads ....
A soaring view of the Library of Congress's Thomas Jefferson Building reveals the astonishing grandeur of its stained glass skylight and richly decorated ceiling. This image captures the view straight up into the heart of the Main Hall’s upper reaches, where Renaissance Revival splendor meets American optimism. The meticulously designed skylight—composed of nine intricately patterned stained glass panels—floods the hall below with diffused natural light, filtered through deep blues, pale greens, and soft amber hues arranged in dazzling floral rosettes. Each pane is framed in classical molding and bordered with coffered recesses, lending the ceiling architectural depth and rhythmic balance.
Surrounding the skylight is an explosion of Gilded Age ornamentation. Vibrant murals adorn the curved lunettes, where allegorical figures, winged cherubs, and classical motifs dance amidst scrolls and garlands. Dominated by deep greens, ochres, and golds, the painted ceiling panels feature lavish symbolism, including cornucopias, lyres, doves, and open books—visual metaphors celebrating knowledge, abundance, and the arts. Painted inscriptions, winged figures, and decorative medallions emphasize themes of enlightenment and civic virtue. These decorations, executed under the direction of the master artist Edwin Howland Blashfield and other artisans of the 1890s, elevate the room into a temple of American intellectual achievement.
The photograph’s strong vertical composition draws the eye directly into the stained glass skylight, flanked by fluted pilasters and Corinthian capitals that hint at the structure's monumental scale. The clarity of the glasswork, combined with the warmth of the muraled soffits and barrel vaults, illustrates the harmonious integration of architecture and fine art—a defining characteristic of the Beaux-Arts style.
Built between 1890 and 1897, the Thomas Jefferson Building was conceived as a showcase of American progress and democratic ideals. The ceiling’s opulence was never meant to intimidate but to inspire: to suggest that every citizen had the right to knowledge, learning, and beauty. In that spirit, the murals, stained glass, and ornamentation are not just decorative—they’re didactic, layered with meaning and designed to educate every visitor who looks up.
Today, this ceiling remains one of the most photographed and admired architectural features in Washington, D.C. Whether visited by scholars, tourists, or architectural enthusiasts, it serves as a reminder of the nation's commitment to culture and civic literacy. The interplay of light, art, and symbolism in this space continues to evoke awe—a testament to the enduring power of public architecture done right.
Shrine of Remembrance in King's Domain in the City of Melbourne Victoria Australia
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View of the elegant Parisian streets leading up to the Eiffel Tower as seen from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
Jonathan Reid | Travel Portfolio | Architecture Portfolio | Facebook
The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
[ca. 1943]
1 transparency : color.
Notes:
Title from FSA or OWI agency caption.
Transfer from U.S. Office of War Information, 1944.
Subjects:
World War, 1939-1945
Galleries & museums
Parks
Mall, The (Washington, D.C.)
United States--District of Columbia--Washington (D.C.)
Format: Transparencies--Color
Rights Info: No known restrictions on publication.
Repository: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA, hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Part Of: Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Collection 12002-68 (DLC) 93845501
General information about the FSA/OWI Color Photographs is available at hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsac
Higher resolution image is available (Persistent URL): hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsac.1a35464
Call Number: LC-USW36-753
Two Caryatids out of three.
Former seat of Ludwik Geyer's Stock Company, Piotrkowska 74. Geyer was one of the main pioneers of the city's textile industry. Built in 1881-1886.
It seems that Flickr doesn´t support Pin Yin in the title.
It works in the description fields:
A view from Jǐngshān Park in Beijing.
Don´t redistribute - don´t use on webpages, blogs or any other media without my explicit written permission.
© Andy Brandl (2016) // PhotonMix Photography
The Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building stands as one of the most spectacular examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States, and its magnificent interior is on full display in this richly detailed photograph. Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, this building is not only a temple of knowledge but also a visual celebration of art, history, and national identity.
Completed in 1897, the Jefferson Building was the first structure built specifically to house the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world. Its grand halls are renowned for their breathtaking decorative schemes—lavishly painted ceilings, sculpted marble columns, mosaic floors, and symbolic frescoes—executed by some of the most talented American artists of the late 19th century.
This image captures the stunning Great Hall, where fluted Corinthian columns rise two stories beneath soaring, vaulted ceilings adorned with allegorical murals. Light pours in from the arched windows and skylights, illuminating the gold-leaf embellishments, classical motifs, and mythological figures that represent the arts, science, history, and learning. The intricate interplay between light and marble evokes the spirit of a European palace, yet the building’s purpose remains deeply democratic—accessible to the public and dedicated to the preservation of human knowledge.
Above the arches, the richly colored ceiling panels feature painted personifications of wisdom, philosophy, and literature, along with Latin inscriptions and flourishes inspired by ancient Roman and Renaissance styles. The architectural detailing is as educational as it is ornamental, inviting visitors to reflect on the foundations of intellectual pursuit and civic life.
In the foreground, the photograph’s crisp perspective frames the symmetry and grandeur of the space. Every element—from the balustrades and staircases to the ceiling medallions and sculptural embellishments—speaks to a national ambition to celebrate learning and culture at a monumental scale. Visitors line the upper balconies, peering over into the main hall and engaging with the exhibits and architecture alike.
Designed by John L. Smithmeyer and completed under the supervision of Paul J. Pelz, the Jefferson Building's interior decoration was coordinated by architect Edward Pearce Casey, whose vision brought together dozens of artists, sculptors, and craftsmen in a collective act of national storytelling.
The Library of Congress is home to over 170 million items, but its Thomas Jefferson Building is itself a priceless artifact. The structure is a profound reminder that architecture can be more than shelter—it can be a physical embodiment of ideals. Through this image, viewers are transported into a space where art, intellect, and public service converge.
One Caryatid out of three.
Also a sheer glossary of classical architecture elements.
Former seat of Ludwik Geyer's Stock Company, Piotrkowska 74. Geyer was one of the main pioneers of the city's textile industry. Built in 1881-1886.
From www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/index.cfm:
A fine example of 19th-century neoclassical architecture, the Capitol combines function with aesthetics. Its designs derived from ancient Greece and Rome evoke the ideals that guided the nation's founders as they framed their new republic. As the building was expanded from its original design, harmony with the existing portions was carefully maintained.
Today, the Capitol covers a ground area of 175,170 square feet, or about 4 acres, and has a floor area of approximately 16-1/2 acres. Its length, from north to south, is 751 feet 4 inches; its greatest width, including approaches, is 350 feet. Its height above the base line on the east front to the top of the Statue of Freedom is 288 feet; from the basement floor to the top of the dome is an ascent of 365 steps. The building contains approximately 540 rooms and has 658 windows (108 in the dome alone) and approximately 850 doorways.
The building is divided into five levels. The first, or ground, floor is occupied chiefly by committee rooms and the spaces allocated to various congressional officers. The areas accessible to visitors on this level include the Hall of Columns, the Brumidi Corridors, the restored Old Supreme Court Chamber, and the Crypt beneath the Rotunda, where historical exhibits are presented.
The second floor holds the Chambers of the House of Representatives (in the south wing) and the Senate (in the north wing) as well as the offices of the congressional leadership. This floor also contains three major public areas. In the center under the dome is the Rotunda, a circular ceremonial space that also serves as a gallery of paintings and sculpture depicting significant people and events in the nation's history. The Rotunda is 96 feet in diameter and rises 180 feet 3 inches to the canopy. The semicircular chamber south of the Rotunda served as the Hall of the House until 1857; now designated National Statuary Hall, it houses part of the Capitol's collection of statues donated by the states in commemoration of notable citizens. The Old Senate Chamber northeast of the Rotunda, which was used by the Senate until 1859, has been returned to its mid-19th-century appearance.
The third floor allows access to the galleries from which visitors to the Capitol may watch the proceedings of the House and the Senate when Congress is in session. The rest of this floor is occupied by offices, committee rooms, and press galleries.
The fourth floor and the basement/terrace level of the Capitol are occupied by offices, machinery rooms, workshops, and other support areas.
The grand colonnade of the Palace of Fine Arts reveals itself through an architectural corridor flanked by olive trees and lavender-lined planters. Corinthian columns rise in quiet strength, crowned with sculptural flourishes and carved medallions. Designed by Bernard Maybeck in 1915, these towering forms were meant to evoke the melancholic ruins of ancient civilizations—and here, they do exactly that, softened by greenery and the muted light of a coastal sky. The central path draws the eye inward, creating a cinematic sense of arrival that balances classical form with the gentle rhythms of a city garden.
San Francisco’s skyline is a dynamic blend of old and new, and this cityscape showcases that in full force. Anchoring the scene is the futuristic Salesforce Tower, completed in 2018, which stands as the tallest building in San Francisco at 1,070 feet. Its sleek, tapering design is a symbol of the city’s modern tech boom, representing a significant shift in San Francisco’s architectural narrative. Its glass curtain wall, reflecting the sky and surrounding structures, gives it a lightweight and almost ethereal appearance amidst the more traditional buildings nearby.
In contrast, we see the Bank of America Center, a hallmark of Brutalist architecture from the 1960s, which offers a stark, geometric contrast to the curving form of the Salesforce Tower. The Heuristic architecture seen in some of the mid-century modern buildings reflects a period when function met form in the most utilitarian of ways.
The reflected glass of the 50 Fremont Center foregrounds this view, showing the intricate dance of light and shadow as it plays across its surface. This building, completed in the 1980s, carries a postmodern flair, combining reflective glass with polished stone. In the background, some of San Francisco’s older Classical Revival structures also make their presence felt, with arched windows and ornate details that remind onlookers of the city’s long-standing commitment to blending history with innovation.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, this juxtaposition of past and future in its skyline highlights San Francisco’s unique identity as a hub for both cutting-edge technology and timeless architecture.
The Inspecção Geral das Actividades Culturais building in Lisbon stands as a refined example of Portuguese Neoclassical architecture, blending symmetry, proportion, and decorative artistry. Its pastel pink facade, accented with crisp white stonework, Corinthian pilasters, and wrought-iron balconies, exudes elegance against the city’s brilliant blue skies. A central pediment crowned with sculptural figures adds grandeur, while the slate mansard roof evokes Parisian influence. Located in Lisbon’s historic heart, this landmark reflects the city’s dedication to preserving both cultural heritage and architectural beauty. A favorite for photographers and architecture lovers, it’s a striking emblem of Lisbon’s artistic and civic identity.
There’s something deeply soothing about seeing the Palace of Fine Arts mirrored in its own lagoon. The dome, columns, and pink accents appear softened by distance, like a memory made visible. The gentle ripples on the water turn the reflection into something painterly, abstract yet grounded. Trees frame the neoclassical structure with effortless grace, and the whole scene breathes with quiet elegance. For the highly sensitive, this is more than architecture—it’s a feeling: of calm, of beauty, of balance. Here, history and nature hold hands, and even in the middle of the city, you can feel completely at peace.
A graceful weeping willow drapes into view as the iconic dome of San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts rises across the shimmering lagoon. The fountain at center adds a soft kinetic energy to this otherwise serene scene, where the textures of architecture and nature blend seamlessly. The neoclassical structure—with its coral pink columns, sculptural reliefs, and golden dome—echoes old-world grandeur, yet feels fully at home in the California landscape. A light overcast sky bathes the entire view in gentle tones, highlighting green foliage and the calm surface of the water. This is San Francisco at its most poetic and peaceful.
San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts remains one of the city’s most visually poetic architectural landmarks, and this side-angle view captures the intricately detailed Corinthian columns that support the structure’s historic grandeur. Originally designed by Bernard Maybeck for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Palace was inspired by Roman and Greek ruins, reimagined through the lens of California’s romantic sensibilities. In this quiet moment, the pink-hued columns rise dramatically behind a solitary lamp post, surrounded by carefully manicured greenery and a modest pathway. The structure’s sculpted frieze panels depict draped female figures—guardians of the arts and muses of knowledge—contributing to the site’s aura of serenity and classical reflection. Despite its monumental scale, this section of the Palace feels tucked away from the usual foot traffic, offering a meditative pause from the bustling city beyond. The soft overcast sky bathes the scene in diffused natural light, highlighting the texture of the stonework and drawing attention to the subtle interplay of organic landscaping and urban form. Located in San Francisco’s Marina District, this beloved landmark has withstood earthquakes, demolition threats, and restoration efforts, standing today not just as a symbol of ephemeral world’s fair beauty, but as a lasting place of reflection, photography, and cultural pilgrimage. Whether you’re a fan of Beaux-Arts architecture or simply seeking a peaceful corner in the city, the Palace of Fine Arts continues to inspire with every column, arch, and detail.
Set against the soft pastel tones of a neoclassical facade, this quiet Lisbon courtyard captures a more contemplative side of the city. The yellow building, accented by symmetrical windows and decorative balconies, frames a bronze statue at its center, drawing the eye toward its sculptural detail. The space is paved in traditional calçada portuguesa stonework, with smooth curves leading visitors deeper into the square. Mature trees provide shade and contrast to the sunlit walls, adding depth and balance to the composition. Tucked away from Lisbon’s bustling streets, this plaza embodies the layered architectural history and serene rhythm of Portugal’s capital.
Gyeongbok-gung palace in Seoul.
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