Thursday, November 17, 2011

70e Anniversaire de l'appel du Général de Gaulle

This enormous banner was hung on the facade of the Hôtel de Ville in June, 2010.  From a distance it is obviously a portrait of Gen. de Gaulle.  Take a closer look, it's fascinating. The banner says:


Ce portrait a été réalisé à partir de l'affiche diffusée à Londres en 1940 et des photographies de 1016 femmes et hommes Compagnons de la Libération

"70th anniversary of General de Gaulle’s call. 
This portrait is based on the poster which was published in London in 1940 and on photos of 1016 women and men, Companions of the Liberation."

*Merci Peter for the translation and for this link.

21 comments:

French Girl in Seattle said...

Awesome. Wish I had seen this in person. Ah, le grand Charles. Half my family loves him; half my family hates him. Long story. I recently saw an excellent documentary about his career on TV5. Love him or hate him, "c'était quelqu'un!" --- Veronique

James said...

What an amazing banner!

cocoa and coconut said...

Wow that is so detailed!

Elizabeth at Eiffel Tells said...

This banner is amazing. I too took photographs of it when I was in France last year!

Alain said...

Culte de la personnalité ?

PeterParis said...

I would be curious to know why half of French Girl's family hates him. Of course, few persons can be admired to 100%, but "half the family"? :-)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

A wonderful piece of art...would anyone expect less from Paris? Non.

Anita

Unknown said...

That banner is a great piece of art Virginia.
Showing Gen De Gaulle and the photographs of all those people of French Resistance.
Costas

Leif Hagen said...

A marvelous photo capturing the Ch de Gaulle portrait!
Bravo, V de B!

Louise said...

I was lucky and saw this in person last year too. It's so well done.

M said...

Fascinating! The power of photography!

Anonymous said...

i love the shots you got of this! Very well executed!

Daryl said...

tres cool!

Carla said...

HI Virginia, isn't this cool.. love all the portraits close up.. Fab photo. Carla

Malyss said...

I like those pictures made of pictures!And about "le Grand Charles", I'm with Veronique: Wether you like him or not, he was a fabulous person!

Starman said...

I'm always fascinated when I see this type of art.

Alexa said...

Thanks for sharing—this is so cool! When I was living there in the '60s, most of my French friends were not big fans of le général (but I was too young and stupid to understand why).

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Fabulous.. I love this type of art.. so clever.. wish I'd seen that!!

Have a great weekend.. ciao xxx Julie

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Wonderful framing, good story !

Kirsten Steen said...

For a long time, when I visited Paris, it was Ingrid Betancourt's banner hanging at the Hotel de Ville, until she was finally released. I need to research de Gaulle. Should know more. Thanks for reminding me!
Bon weekend, Kirsten

Auberge chez Richard said...

Oui mon General. Just outstanding!