Photographer's Note
THE SORROW OF FLANDERS
There's a saying that if countries want to fight a war, they do it in Flanders. The low country at the crossroads of (western) Europe has seen countless wars, some of them involving Flanders itself, others between France, England, Germany and whoever felt like fighting it out. Travelling in (western) Flanders is travelling through through battlefields.
There's no cycling or walking in Flanders without war cemetries or other reminders of the senseless slaughter that was the Great War, or First World War (1914-1918).
THIS PICTURE was shot on a countryside road near Diksmuide. The black tower in the distance is the Ijzertoren, a huge monument built for the (Flemish) victims of the Great War.
THE "IJZERTOREN" (Yzer Tower) is not only a symbol of the futility of war, it is also an icon of Flemish nationalism and anti-Belgium sentimentalism. Over the years, sometimes the tower leaned more towards anti-war, then towards anti-Belgium, then more towards anti-war again. Whatever, it has always been a powerful symbol of the sorrow of Flanders.
---
song title reference: Bob Dylan
holmertz, snunney, Royaldevon, jhm, PaulVDV, PaulVDV, kordinator έχουν(ει) επιλέξει αυτή τη σημείωση ως χρήσιμη
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lousat
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(121137) 2019-03-31 4:44
Hi Benny,every village has a monument celebrating our men died in the wars,but this is one of the most big that i never seen. The perspective is perfect to show how it's imposing,and there is a nice view on the countryside too,well done. Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano
Tue
(72034) 2019-03-31 4:52
Hallo Benny,
Een mooi zicht op dit landschap van groene en gele kleuren, doorkruist door de grijze weg en onder de blauwe hemel. Het voorjaarslicht was aangenaam. De weg loopt mooi in de richting van de donkere toren, voordat hij afbuigt.
Lars
holmertz
(83434) 2019-03-31 4:59
Hello Benny,
It seems that few wars deserve less to be called "Great war" than WW1. A more meaningless mass slaughter of young men and boys has hardly ever occurred. But all those victims certainly deserve to be honoured with memorials. This tower has to be one of the largest war memorials anywhere, however looking from this distance as anything but a tribute to fallen soldiers. It is in any case a very strong eye-catcher, and you placed it well. But the green, yellow and rusty brown vegetation is much prettier.
Best regards,
Gert
snunney
(130965) 2019-03-31 5:14
Hello Benny,
You present us with an interesting composition and a thought provoking commentary on the futility of war and Flanders' association with it. We are directed towards this impressive monument rising from the trees by the road in the foreground. I like the overall balance of the composition and the warm colour palette.
Royaldevon
(64434) 2019-03-31 5:37
Hello Benny,
It is with great sorrow that I read or see anything involving the 'Great War' ... the war to end all wars!
It became such a slaughter of young men, many unaware of what was about to happen!
This stark reminder, of those sacrificed at this time, should act as a deterrent but sadly, that has not been the case.
It is a nicely composed photograph with a good lead line and strong focal point.
My warm regards,
Bev :-)
dta
(95600) 2019-03-31 5:56
Hello Benny ,
Evne the monument is not especially beautiful (but it is not there for that) , the composition is splendid with a superb palet of tonalities in this end of winter.
Regards
jhm
(191505) 2019-03-31 6:13
Dag Benny,
**De region St Laureins is zeker het wandelend waard.**
Weinig mensen zullen de IJzer toren herkennen, nochtans een momnument in Vlaanderen.
U beschrijft het zo mooi!!!
Is toegankelijk met de trap of de lift.
Mooie beeld uit "Bachte de Kupe"
Goed foto werk, TFS.
Prettige dag verder,
John.
mesutilgim
(115542) 2019-03-31 6:14
Hello Benny,
Another interesting capture and TE entry in your gallery.
Both photographycally and informative, perfect job.
Very nice and warm ligth and good sharpness.
Nice framed.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM
abmdsudi
(81698) 2019-03-31 6:46
Hi Benny
Tx to your useful narrative, A gentle contours of Flanders rural image, varied arrangements of trees, reeds and the Monument which strongly holds the focus of interest!
The lead road, range of colours and clarity work superbly, but very emotional and poignant image....
Best regards
Nicou
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(188618) 2019-03-31 8:43
Hello
quelle tour en fond qui se dιcoupe en noir et cette rouge grise des plans verts et ces roseaux dorιe superbe vue et image
Bravo et amitiι
Nicou
PaulVDV
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(49028) 2019-03-31 12:39
Hallo Benny,
De toren staat er heel donker op, symbolisch voor de eindeloze donkere dagen in de oorlogsjaren.
Het omliggende landschap oogt heel mooi met zijn afwisseling van groene en goudgele tinten.
Vele groeten, Paul
emka
(139388) 2019-03-31 23:37
Hello Benny, In Poland maybe there were not so many battlefields but my country suffered a lot in many wars having such powerful neighbors as Russia and Germany. every war is a senseless slaughter of the innocent people. and will it be ever the time without any wars? Even now there are wars in some parts of the world.
The charming countryside and the sad monument.
Kind regards MAlgo
willperrett
(13428) 2019-04-01 11:27
Hello Benny
If it weren't for that solemn black tower, I would say this was a pleasant rural scene, and that would be that. But the tower changes everything: even if we didn't know what it was, its presence is compelling, melancholy, even slightly threatening. A different photograph altogether.
Regards
Will
kordinator
(15777) 2019-04-14 3:13
Hello Benny
Good effect of depth with this staircase, nice monument celebrating our men died in the wars, pretty nature, well presented.
Kind regards
Saa
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Benny Verbercht (BennyV)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2810 W: 35 N: 5717]](//i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(30480) - Genre: Τοποθεσίες
- Medium: Έγχρωμο
- Date Taken: 2019-03-08
- Categories: Καθημερινότητα
- Camera: Nikon D3200, Tamron AF18-200mm 3,5-6,3 XR Di II E 6
- Έκδοση φωτογραφίας: Πρωτότυπη έκδοση
- Date Submitted: 2019-03-31 4:29
