Friday, September 10, 2010

No Way Arch

I've always had a thing about archways. I find the shape compelling in a way I find hard to describe. When I returned from England some years ago I had a collection of photos of archways--a small arch leads from one Oxford courtyard to another; the arch of a ruined cathedral wall frames the view over a grassy courtyard; an arched, wooden door shows scorch marks from fires of hundreds of years ago.

Through an archway my eye and imagination travel distances of time and miles. Kings stride under arched entryways, leading their armies into castle keeps. A door to a secret garden creaks open, then closes with a click. The souq spreads out beneath a Marrakesh window. Priests walk quietly in hidden cloisters then, as now.

I don't know where this small archway would lead if it could--an alley, a neighbor's yard, maybe a parking lot. Not that I care. It's fodder enough for thought.

19 comments:

Pascal Jim said...

Arches be fine, niches are gooder. An artist should sneak a painting into this arched niche..

Shell Sherree said...

Monastic was my first thought. I understand your besottedness, Petrea.

Margaret said...

Maybe to a room heretofore lacking a view?

Petrea Burchard said...

All good. So you see what I mean. Endless possibilities.

mark said...

This is a fabulous photo. I love the aged details, the colors, the lighting, the shadows, and the framing. This is one of your all-time bests. It would look great framed. Well done!

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, mark. I see you, too, find the archway compelling.

Anonymous said...

Peaceful scene. But a portal without a view is sort of like a bridge to nowhere.

Susan C said...

My architect created a small arched niche almost like this one in the street-facing side of our guest house. I was a little confused because it's not meant as a passageway and it's not deep enough for a plant. Just a little something to add visual interest.

Shanna said...

A really beautiful photo.

Susan Campisi said...

I like the journey your words took on this post and the beautiful images that went along with it. Having been to Marrakesh many, many years ago, I can picture the souq through an arched window. Love it.

Vanda said...

Secret window into the secret garden. Do you know the magic word?

TheChieftess said...

Thought provoking...

Pascal Jim said...

In any garden, the open secret is Fertilizer as offered by:


Alpha and Omega Fertilizer Co.

Laurel and Hardy

Dealers in Hi-Grade Manure.

Mister Earl said...

I have a niche like that over my mantle. It has a menorah in it.

Greg Sweet said...

Historically, these little nooks in garden walls are meant to hold a statuette of St. Francis of Assisi.

Petrea Burchard said...

I've seen a niche with St. Francis in it. That's a good use of one like this. Or you could put candles or flowers or boogers or...

Well, it's late. Long day, that's my excuse.

Dina said...

I totally agree with you. But you put the feeling into words so much better.

A mysterious picture.

Amy said...

It looks like something from The Secret Garden. It probably leads to faerie. That's my theory.

Wherever it goes, it's a beautiful photo.

Petrea Burchard said...

Faerie, yes. I can go with that.