Chambery, the 2nd of April 2011
We walked around Chambery like we had many other times before ... but that particular Saturday the sun was shining and with it a romantic Spring like atmosphere which made me feel slightly more vulnerable ... vulnerable to things I had seen dozens of times over the years ...
The Elephants' fountain caught my attention once more ... It seemed totally different ... (almost unknown to me) under such a bright sunny day ... and then having read about the Count Benoit de Boigne, whose imposing figure is to be seen on top of the tall column, made it look even more interesting ... more meaningful.
The fountain, whose base has outstanding realistic sculptures of the head and forelimbs of four life-sized elephants, was built in 1838 to honour Benoit de Boigne's success in India but I personally believe that what he should be really praised for is his devotion and committment to the development of Chambery at the end of his life.
He is said to have given two major donations (amongst many) to the "Frères des écoles chrétiennes" and the sisters of Saint Joseph, both of which gave free education to poor children and girls.
The more I read biographies and historical accounts of outstanding characters the more I am convinced that it is those who make the difference in people's lives and those of the communities that are forever remembered ... and loved ...
May there be many "Benoits" to counterbalance the egoistic approaches of nowadays life ...
The fountain, whose base has outstanding realistic sculptures of the head and forelimbs of four life-sized elephants, was built in 1838 to honour Benoit de Boigne's success in India but I personally believe that what he should be really praised for is his devotion and committment to the development of Chambery at the end of his life.
He is said to have given two major donations (amongst many) to the "Frères des écoles chrétiennes" and the sisters of Saint Joseph, both of which gave free education to poor children and girls.
The more I read biographies and historical accounts of outstanding characters the more I am convinced that it is those who make the difference in people's lives and those of the communities that are forever remembered ... and loved ...
May there be many "Benoits" to counterbalance the egoistic approaches of nowadays life ...
No comments:
Post a Comment