Architects of Monuments II

Those who Define Structural Magnificence

Fantasy equal: Mason

I think one of my colleagues and I were talking about movies and I was asked what kind of movies I like. Naturally I responded saying movies based on fantasy and/or ancient times. He then mentioned something interesting; “Then like a friend of mine you must have been born in the wrong age.”

It makes one think if given the opportunity, which ancient or fantasy civilization would you have liked to visit for a day. I have many options and would not know which to choose. One of the aspects to consider would be the architecture of that civilization from that age in time.

The ancient civilizations from the Mediterranean region are renowned for their architecture; the Romans, the Greek, the Persian and especially the Egyptians. They have constructed awe-inspiring buildings, temples, monuments and statues, most of which are mere remnants of their former glory today. I dream of the days when I am able to take a tour to these countries and lay my eyes on the Colosseum, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the multitude of the ruined temples in Greece. Would it not, however, be so much more exciting to see these wonders with your very own eyes in the time they were constructed? Sure, the skyscrapers in the city are impressive as well, yet none of them have that ancient mysterious appeal the old Seven Wonders of the World has.

All of these architectural creations are founded on intricate and well-planned designs. Furthermore they are not always only architectural wonders, but artistic creations as well. Take the stone masons of Ancient Egypt, for example. Each of the great pyramids they have built is externally rather rough and crude. It’s their sheer size which makes them impressive. Once you enter its corridors, however, you would find an array of intricate hieroglyphics. These hieroglyphics were also part of the grand design and form part of the monument’s purpose and artistic appeal.

To me a man’s legs are also of a great design. The combination of mass, definition and decoration (hair) makes for one of my favourite parts of the male body. Most like that one part of course, but in general I would rather like to see the bottom half instead of the top half. We both can have the middle still. I can’t explain why; it’s just the way my simple mind is programmed.

The fantasy connection for the following collection is very much similar to that of the previous instalment. In ancient Egypt architects and stone masons worked in conjunction when it came to constructing a great monument. The architects designed the plan and the masons foresaw the actual work, chiselled the stone and laid it in place. As the construction of monuments is perfected by architects and masons, so have the monumental legs been perfected on these lords...

"A stonemason is a person who builds structures (such as cathedrals and castles) out of stones such as limestone, sandstone, slate, marble, granite, field rock, and river rock. They were highly skilled people who combined the roles of architecting, crafting, desiging, and engineering to produce beautiful buildings seen today. Some of the most beautiful creations they built standing today are Gothic Cathedrals."

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_stonemason