During a business trip to Paris more than two decades ago, a particularly memorable experience remains with me. Paris has always been my favorite city. Sadly I have not returned for many, many years, but fond memories last forever and recollections await revival, when a particular scene transports me back in awe and pleasure.
Why Paris? A strong sense of pride accompanied by a buzz of conversation; Parisiennes enjoying life sitting outside cafés and brasseries. A delightful combination of energetic exchanges and an atmosphere stimulated by topics and feelings of those engaging in myriad topics.
Traffic noise along Boulevard Saint Germain seems to decline as interaction between people engaging in conversation offers a tranquility as if enclosed in a transparent marquee filtering noise, but allowing sunlight.
A favourite Brasserie was Les Deux Magots. I often sat outside, watching the world go by, enjoying a double espresso.
Prior to leaving Paris, I visited a special store selling a many unusual items. One item that stood out a mile was an awesome Greek-style bust with an amazing face. A resin replica bust of a bronze known as the Benevento Head. Also known as ‘The Head of a Victorious Athlete’, the original dates to around 50 BC and was found during an excavation of the ancient town of Herculaneum, located near modern-day Naples. The head was likely to have been mounted on a marble hermaic pillar, and was decorated with glass inlays for the eyes and red copper lips. The olive crown on his head references the prizes awarded to victorious athletes at the Olympian games.
The original bronze is currently housed in the Musée du Louvre, Paris. An extraordinary home ornament inspired by the long-held influence of Ancient Greek statue in art and architecture.
Strangely enough the face portrays a modest individual, rather than a winning Olympic athlete.
I just had to buy it even though it felt as though ‘weighed a ton’! Difficult to carry it, and even more challenging to carry onboard the plane back to Southampton Airport, England. On bringing it home there was quite some amazement as it looked like an original relic!
So ends my memorable trip to Paris. Seeing this head bust in my lounge instantly takes me back to those moments in time.
Comments on this bust would be most welcome.
