Through
historic Bern and the mountainous Bernese
Oberland by train is a most relaxing way to spend some
hours peering out the window, watching the world go by getting
to whereever you want to be in picturesque
Switzerland. Especially if that destination happens to
be in equally mountainous Valais where the scenery changes
a multitude of vineyards for which Valais is famed throughout Switzerland for
its Fendant. The varied scenery of the central plateau, the
famed skiing mountains and regions, its lakes and (internationally
lesser) known wine producing areas of Valais all contributed
to the backdrop of todays ride across Switzerland to
Martigny.
Our
first stop was the Amphitheatre, set against the vineyard-clad
and forested steep mountains which surround it, which formed
an important part of the Roman settlement and Forum which
was established here under the Emporer Claudius. Granted,
this isn't the grand structure of the Colloseum or Leptis
Magna but it is beautifully set against steep mountains on
one side and vineyard clad slopes on the other contribute
to the natural beauty of the place. Aside from the strategic
significance of being astride the Rhône river, it's
not hard to imagine why people would have wanted to live
in a beautiful place such as this.
Next stop the Fondation Pierre Gianadda - renowned as one of the premier art galleries in the French-speaking parts of Switzerland.
Although
the "Erotic
Rodin" exhibition was the real draw for this
trip the rest of the Fondation is well worth a visit if you're
in the area. The twin track approach of sketches of live,
moving nudes alongside the sculptures and bronzes based on
them provided an insight into how Rodin worked. The sketches,
primarily of charcoal on paper, convey a sense of movement
and eroticism which, at times, seems to slip over the line
to downright explicit. The sculptures and bronze works were,
by comparison, restrained but retained the erotic realism
much in evidence of the sketches.
Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Rue du Forum 59 1920 Martigny
6 March to 14 June 2009
Fondation Pierre Gianadda
Martigny Tourisme
Rodin Museum in Paris
La Danaïde, a bronze work, is, to my mind, one of the more exquisite works. The attention to detail in the caste is evident most acutely in the back of the nude which ripples with a natural muscularity. The shape more than betrays a sense of a swirling movement. The Hands, a marble sculpture, are equally finely thought out and, in my opinion, the best sculpture on display. Fingers touch each other as though the imaginary body to which they would be attached is in reposful thought.
The Automobile Exhibition downstairs was equally fascinating - and not just for car buffs as I'm sure m'learned colleaque will testify. With vehicles, many unique in the world and in original condition, dating from the 1890s the exhibition charts the progress of the motor vehicle from steam powered vehicles to more recognisable types of 6-cylinder engines and brands. Long forgotten brands such as the Zürich -based Turicum sit alongside Martini motors, Mercedes and a hugely (literally) impressive Rolls Royce - resplendide with the iconic flying angel.
With the weather fine, we strolled through the Sculpture Garden - essentially a collection of sculptures on display in a garden specifically designed for their exposition. Sculpture by prominent sculptors and sculptresses such as Joan Miró (pictured) and Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Richard Guino adorn the carefully sculpted garden which is similarly adorned with water features in the finest traditions of Charlie Dimmock.
Saint Maurice - an afternoon the oldest abbey north of the Alps - A travelogue from an afternoon spent in Saint Maurice, home to the oldest Abbey north of the Alps, in Canton Valais, Switzerland
Switzerland - festivals not to miss - Fantastic Swiss festivals to visit through the year
Aproz - Combat des Reines (Cow fights) - Travel notes and information about the Combat des Reines (Cow fights) in Aproz, Canton Valais
Switzerland - places not to miss - Sixteen places not to miss around Switzerland
Switzerland - sacred destinations - Nine of the finest churchs, cathedrals and monastries in Switzerland
Geneva - Jet d'Eau - The Jet d'Eau on Lake Geneva and symbol of Geneva
Geneva - Cathedral St Pierre - The Cathedral of St Peter in the Old Town of Geneva
Geneva - Drummers at L'Escalade - Drummers outside the cathedral at L'Escalade festival in Geneva
Geneva - mounted knight at the Proclamation at L'Escalade 2010 - A knight at a Proclamation at the L'Escalade festivities in the old town of Geneva
Switzerland - recommended hotels - Recommended hotels in Berne, Fribourg, Lugano, Neuchâtel and Rapperswil
Martigny - Official website of Martigny
Name: | Amphitheatre |
Address: | Amphitheater, Martigny |
Name: | Fondation Pierre Giannadda |
Address: | Rue du Forum 59, 1920 Martigny |
Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook