The Many Faces of Pont Neuf
Pont Neuf Pont Neuf (New Bridge) is the oldest surviving bridge across the River Seine in Paris with construction starting in 1578 by King Henri III. The plans for the bridge were drawn up 22 years early during the reign of Henri's father, Henri II, but opposition from the merchants of the city delayed the start of this new crossing. The bridge wasn't actually opened until 1607 during the reign of Henri IV but it marked the end of the medieval style of bridge building because Pont Neuf had no shops or houses on it. Over the years the bridge has been altered and restored but it is essentially as it was 400 years ago. Along each side of the bridge 380 faces have been carved in stone and set facing the river. In addition the lamp posts all have the same four faces cast into the base and these stretch from the north bank near the Louvre to the south side of the river. Using the Fuji X-Pro1 and the Fujinon 35mm f1.4 lens I captured a set of images sh...