10 December 2007

Saint-Nicolas


This sculpture of Saint Nicolas stands just alongside the church you saw yesterday. Saint Nicolas is said to be just about everyone's saint. He's named the patron saint of more causes than any other. In France, the most familiar story, both told and sung, is of three little children lured into the clutches of an evil butcher and rescued by Saint Nicolas. In other parts of the world, however, Saint Nicolas is mostly known as the patron saint of mariners.

It seems the very first St. Nicolas was Greek and he became the Bishop of Myra which is mentioned in yesterday's posting.

And of course what do we call Saint Nicolas these days? Why Santa Claus, of course!

6 comments:

Teri said...

Jilly, I really like this photo - it is in motion! I know I should feel comforted as I look at the saint but I don't, I feel unstable, a little dizzy. The tower and tree on the left lean in, and the bldg. on the right seems to slant the other way. The saint's cloak swirls and you've featured the sharp shadows of his fingers dead center. Not, I'd say, anyone's typical portrait of St. Nick.

Jilly said...

Teri, you are so right. I'd not noticed all that - was too busy choosing the photo that had the best light on the sculpture. I've changed it! Thanks so much.

Teri said...

An entirely different photo and feel! This saint is grounded and stable. Truthfully, I think I might prefer the drama of your first picture but this one exudes benevolence - just right for the subject.

Curly said...

If it helps us all to remember something of the true spirit of Christmas Jilly.......

....I'm all for it.

from South Shields Daily Photo

Wayne said...

I missed the first photo Jilly, but I think this one looks great. And what neat history you bring to life for us all.
Thanks,
Wayne

Chris said...

I like this photo. . . .The shadow of his hand rests on his stomach. . .kind of comforting (in my weird thinking).

I attended St. Nicholas School grades 1-8. The statue in the school lobby was similar to this, at least in the pose and all. The statue itself was plaster, I would guess.

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