Baalbek. Photographic essay by Laurent Abad.
Most of the time, as photographers, we are on the lookout for THE image, running after the event with our cameras around our necks hoping to capture that “decisive” moment.
Sometimes we are lucky enough to be able to take our time to work on a subject. To be impregnated and inspired by a subject.
Here, the magnificent site of Baalbek in Lebanon – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – was the source of inspiration for an almost meditative work.
Black and white photos, with a “large format” camera, a rigorous composition that balances each photo… Time stands still!
Jupiter Heliopolitanus
Baalbek, Lebanon. Altar (or funerary stele according to other sources) in limestone with representation of Jupiter Heliopolitanus from Ain Lejouj in the hexagonal courtyard.
Temple of Bacchus
Baalbek, Lebanon. The Temple of Bacchus seen from the main courtyard. The Temple of Bacchus is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman temples in the world. It served as an influential model for neo-classical architecture. The temple was commissioned by the Roman emperor Antoninus the Pious and took a hundred years to build (from 150 to 250). Slightly smaller than the Temple of Baal-Jupiter, it still measures 66 metres long, 35 metres wide and 31 metres high.
Baalbek
Baalbek, Lebanon. The Bacchus temple. One of the best preserved and biggest Roman temples in the world. This temple was a model of influence for Neoclassical architecture. Antoninus Pius, roman emperor, commissioned the temple. The construction took one hundred years, from 150AD to 250AD. Slightly smaller than its neighbour, the Baal-Jupiter temple, it still measures 66 meters long, 35 meters wide and 31 meters high. Piece of decorated ceiling from the peristyle, fallen to the ground.
Temple of Bacchus
Baalbek, Lebanon. Inside the Temple of Bacchus. One of the best preserved and biggest Roman temples in the world. This temple was a model of influence for Neoclassical architecture. Antoninus Pius, roman emperor, commissioned the temple. The construction took one hundred years, from 150AD to 250AD. Slightly smaller than its neighbour, the Baal-Jupiter temple, it still measures 66 meters long, 35 meters wide and 31 meters high.
Temple of Bacchus
Baalbek, Lebanon. The entrance to the Temple of Bacchus. One of the best preserved and biggest Roman temples in the world. This temple was a model of influence for Neoclassical architecture. Antoninus Pius, roman emperor, commissioned the temple. The construction took one hundred years, from 150AD to 250AD. Slightly smaller than its neighbour, the Baal-Jupiter temple, it still measures 66 meters long, 35 meters wide and 31 meters high.
Temple of Bacchus
Baalbek, Lebanon. Baalbek, Lebanon. The Bacchus temple. One of the best preserved and biggest Roman temples in the world. This temple was a model of influence for Neoclassical architecture. Antoninus Pius, roman emperor, commissioned the temple. The construction took one hundred years, from 150AD to 250AD. Slightly smaller than its neighbour, the Baal-Jupiter temple, it still measures 66 meters long, 35 meters wide and 31 meters high. The leaning column of the Temple of Bacchus.
Temple of Jupiter
Baalbek, Lebanon. Temple of Jupiter.
Temple of Bacchus
Baalbek, Lebanon. Baalbek, Lebanon. The Bacchus temple. One of the best preserved and biggest Roman temples in the world. This temple was a model of influence for Neoclassical architecture. Antoninus Pius, roman emperor, commissioned the temple. The construction took one hundred years, from 150AD to 250AD. Slightly smaller than its neighbour, the Baal-Jupiter temple, it still measures 66 meters long, 35 meters wide and 31 meters high. The leaning column of the Temple of Bacchus.
Baalbek
Temple of Jupiter
Baalbek, Lebanon. Temple of Jupiter.
Temple of Bacchus
Baalbek, Lebanon. The entrance to the Temple of Bacchus.
Temple of Jupiter
Baalbek, Lebanon. Semicircular exedra in the main courtyard of the Temple of Jupiter.
Temple of Jupiter
Baalbek, Lebanon. Piece of the entablature of the Temple of Jupiter, representing a lion’s head. Rainwater was drained from the lion’s mouth.
Hexagonal courtyard
Baalbek, Lebanon. Hexagonal courtyard between the propylaea and the main courtyard of the Temple of Jupiter.
Baalbek
Baalbek, Lebanon. A kind of stele representing two hands, palms facing the viewer, carved in stone in bas-relief. In the background is the Temple of Bacchus.
Baalbek
Baalbek, Lebanon. The “Adonis sarcophagus”.
Baalbek
Baalbek, Lebanon. Semicircular exedra in the main courtyard of the Temple of Jupiter.
Temple of Jupiter
Baalbek, Lebanon. The six columns of the Temple of Jupiter seen from the Temple of Bacchus.
Baalbek
Baalbek, Lebanon. Staircase leading to the Temple of Jupiter.
