I have just finished reading Dan Brown’s most recent book, Origin, which had many references to Gaudi’s Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. These gave me reason to review photos I had taken of both.
As I looked at them, they gave credence to Gaudi’s words:
Nothing is invented, for it’s written in nature first. Originality consists of returning to the origin.
At Casa Mila, the influence of nature is obvious beginning with the facade which reminded of something growing from the earth.
Inside graceful nautilus shapes are among those reminiscent of the sea.
On the rooftop are amazing organic structures with flowers and layers resembling the earth’s strata.
Sagrada Familia continues to illustrate Gaudi’s fascination with nature and his interpretations go beyond traditional which for me is his genius.
Inside are soaring treelike columns.
Their branches spread across the ceiling giving one the illusion of being in a forest.
One could go on and on about the natural elements at Sagrada Familia, but as I looked at my photos I was stuck by contrasting religious images.
Ones depicting the birth story are delicate and detailed.
In sharp contrast are the dramatic interpretations of the crucifixion.
Not only are they crudely done, there is such incredible sadness in them.
Without question, Gaudi was an architect of tremendous talent who was not afraid to think outside the boundaries. While other of his work is complete, Sagrada Familia has been a work in progress for 140 years.
Thanks to private donations someday, perhaps by 2040, it will look like this.
As in his other books, Dan Brown’s Origin raises some interesting questions, but what I most appreciated was being influenced to take a second look at Gaudi’s designs and again being awed by his originality.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
I do like Dan Brown’s books. I’ll have to have a second look at your photos while I’m reading this one.
Beautiful photos of these sculptures and the architectural design.
I wish the photos were as good as the real thing!
Thank you Linda for your beautiful photographs of Gaudi’s architecture, truly amazing!
Gaudi’s work is amazing especially when you think of it in the time it was done. Very out there to say the least.
Not particularly a Dan Brown fan, but your photos are great. Was in Barcelona a year or so ago and found Gaudi’s work so captivating and lyrical.
I like your word lyrical as a way of describing Gaudi’s work.
Linda,
What year was our trip to Spain?
So stunning! Dan Brown’s books are always a treat, I am putting this on my reading list. Your photos are incredible!
Jenna
You’ll have to let me know what you think of the book. As with his others, it has some interesting twists.
Wow…I am in awe.
Have loved Gaudi’s work since first studied it in college…thanks!!
I’d never seen this before — those crucifix carvings are starkly powerful. Thank you!
My feeling as well.
Beautiful photographs. I loved the image of the trees in the church. I love these kinds of churches. The poem I just wrote is more about churches built on money and greed and deceit. Totally different. Thank-you for the reminder.
Thank you for sharing your amazing pictures. I, too, just finished reading the book, and must say, your pictures made me appreciate the novel even more.
I have never been to Barcelona and these images truly make me want to go! They are breathtaking!!! So, did you like the book?
Linda – Love all your blogs but this one really touched my heart! Having been to both of those places, you are sooo SPOT ON in describing them and the pictures absolutely depict exactly what you were trying to get across. I’ve bought the book but haven’t started reading it yet and now I can hardly wait. Blessings, Carol
I can’t say this was my favorite Dan Brown book but it made me take a closer look at Gaudí.
Amazing tour…