Siena Via Giovanni Duprè, a photo from Siena, Tuscany

Photographer's Note

We spent a couple of days simply wandering the streets of Siena, with mouths hanging open quite a lot of the time. This was on the way back towards the Campo from the University's Botanical Gardens, and we were entering Via Giovanni Duprè. I have chosen to present a B/W shot, mainly because I like B/W!

The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. The townscape is dominated by the famous Torre del Mangia. Built in 1338-1348, it is located in the Piazza del Campo, Siena's premier square, adjacent to the Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall). When built it was one of the tallest secular towers in mediaeval Italy. At 88 m, it is now second only to Cremona's Torrazzo. The name (meaning "Tower of the Eater") derives from its first guardian, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed Mangiaguadagni for his tendency to spend all his money on food. The upper part was realized by Agostino di Giovanni under design by one Mastro Lippo pittore, probably identifiable with Lippo Memmi.

Via Giovanni Duprè was named after the nineteenth century Sienese-born sculptor of the same name, born in this street.

The original colour version is available in the associated WS: I'd be interested to know how many of you prefer the colour!

jester5, serp2000 ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

npecanhuk (53861) 2011-12-02 3:21

Hello Will!
Truly beautiful urban & architecture picture!
Sharpness, exposure, black & white, vertical format, chosen pov and composition are all excellent and really pleased me!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

jester5 (1620) 2011-12-02 3:54

I like the unusual choice of black and white for an image of Sienna.It is great Will. I can still see the expected colours in my mind but get a better perception of the architecture and composition which you have shown so well.Did you take this from an upstairs window or are there very steep stairs?

mattharvey1 (1030) 2011-12-02 4:04

A really strong B+W image with great composition and contrast which you've got just right under harsh midday sunlight.

Alfoja (672) 2011-12-02 5:05

Great definition and very original sight for the famous tower.

Regards.

Alfoja

serp2000 (29144) 2011-12-02 5:12

Hi, Will,
My compliments! Outstanding presentation of this famous town. Excellent b&w work, good choice. Fine vertical composition and perfect sharpness. Ohh, this is Canon 5D, no comments! )))
Best regards,
Serghei

cebe (1135) 2011-12-02 7:02

Hi Will,

The atmosphere reminds me of an Italian movie from the 60s, perhaps due to the b&w. Where's Sophia Loren? Nice atmospheric shot, obviously very well composed. I climbed that tower some 20+ years ago; nice to be remembered of that place.

Have a nice week-end,
Claude

chrislo (2173) 2011-12-02 10:55

Hello Will,
A beautiful timeless view of this historical city which certainly revealed itself like this to visitors hundreds of years ago (except the air conditioners on the roofs). The black and white option is a good choice here and recreates perfectly the atmosphere of an authentic medieval town. Good lighting and great contrasts.
Kind regards,
Christian

CLODO (24688) 2011-12-03 5:30

Hi Will

I like particularly the grey hues of your shot, with many different values, depicting the walls composition and matter. The eye is directed to the tower at the background, following the narrow street.
have a nice WE
CLODO

Bournazel (6072) 2011-12-12 9:10

Hello Will
for this time Sienna is not orange but B and W !
A good presentation and perspective
Thanks
Vincent