The proportions of a traditional, full scale, ‘Oeil
de Bœuf’ have been stretched in height to house a full
length, grey tinted mirror that creates a sense of depth. The centerpiece
at the top of the structure has been symbolically replaced by a
negative cut out, to distinguish it from the traditional model.
Hung on an interior wall we have the impression of viewing the
outside from within.
L’Oeil de Bœuf (Bull’s Eye) is famous in France,
not as a culinary delight, but as a distinctive window in Mansard
roofing (François Mansart, 1598 -1666). Mansart windows,
originally carved from stone or wood, were reproduced in zinc by
Haussmann during the reconstruction of Paris in mid 19th century. |
