November 2, 2009
An older door
The San Agustin Church in Intramuros, unlike the Manila Cathedral, was able to survive WWII. In fact, it is the oldest known church still standing in the Philippines. It was completed in 1607 and the magnificent carved doors, slowly and carefully being stripped of the grime of the centuries, bear the pierced heart of Jesus and bible symbol of the Order of St. Augustine. Through the door, you can see a portion of the arched vestibule. Looks like relief, doesn't it? But it isn't. The entire interior walls and ceiling of the San Agustin Church is covered with amazingly realistic trompe l'oeil ornamentation.
Very intricate and very beautiful...and it's good to know that it's all being brought back to life...
ReplyDeleteBoth the door and ceiling are wonderful works of art. I can only imagine the amount of skilled work that it took to make them. Like the saying goes "They don't make things like that anymore."
ReplyDeleteYou really went "all out" on the doorway theme didn't you? I'll assume the rest of the church is as intricate and beautiful as this door and entrance.
ReplyDeleteNice theme day contribution Hilda.
Fantastic door - wowy details! Take us throw the doorway, inside with your lens . . . (hint, hint)
ReplyDeleteI've seen many carved woods, but this one is a true beauty. I like every curve and dimple on it! It is in great harmony with the ceiling!
ReplyDeleteEverything is beautiful in this photo, but the mind goes to those excellent craftsmen who carved this door. When I was much younger there was still some very capable artisan here in Tuscany, but they were already old and nobody then wanted to learn this craft anymore.
ReplyDeleteAdorable details, this door is really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLéia
A little universe in that big door. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Valery
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awesome ...I love such huge doors with such intricate work ....
ReplyDeleteRe: Well the temple is in fact painted in cream and pink....but I grey scaled it to get the look....:D
Thanks for the comment
Regards
Amit
That is a beautiful door - and with so much history. I'm glad it made it through the war. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing detail, I love it Hilda!
ReplyDeleteWow, Hilda, those doors are fantastic...just beautiful. We don't see carvings like that from 400 years ago around here. You know I love trompe l'oeil. I can not get enough off it and look for it everywhere. Really terrific doors - I knew you would find extraordinary ones.
ReplyDeleteNice post!
It is so beautiful Hilda!
ReplyDeleteIt is very beautiful wooden craft.
ReplyDeleteGreat selection.
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You Got A Posty
It's great that the church survived WWII. That door is one amazing carving! Can you imagine the time that it took to make it?
ReplyDeleteLes
Both door and ceiling are amazing.
ReplyDeleteSuch amazing carved detail. And the ceiling too!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and lovely !! This is so fine !!
ReplyDeleteGreat juxtaposition! Both carving and trompe l'oeil are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful work !
ReplyDeletei want doors like ths when i have my own house. and i want those made in paete.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very beautiful door, and the vestibule looks beautiful as well.
ReplyDelete