View Denis Belliveau’s photographs from the journey from Venice to China and back.
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- A Tajik warlord in Northern Afghanistan who thought we were in the country to hunt for the giant mountain sheep called Marco Polo, named in honor of the explorer.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- “The Tartars are of all men, the best able to endure exertion
and hardship... They will go for a whole month without
provisions and can ride a good ten days’ journey without
making a fire, living only on the blood of their horses.”
-- Marco Polo
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- The view from
St. Mark’s Square, Venice,
overlooking the gondola quay
and Grand Canal.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- In Tibet a cham or masked dance is held to commemorate the victory of Buddhism over Bon (the old animistic religion).
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- The Cham went on like this for hours, the
crowd mumbling their prayers and kneading their prayer beads behind us. We sat mesmerized, in awe of the spectacle in front of us, ringside seats to a forbidden rite.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- "They speak their own language and call themselves Tibet. . . . In
this province coral brings a high price for it is hung round the necks of women and idols with great joy."
--Marco Polo
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- Behind us lies the famed Khyber Pass into Afghanistan in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan, where if we didn’t get our visas for Iran we had concocted a dangerous plan.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- This photo is one of our favorites. Not only because it captures the moment we landed in St. Marks Square two years after setting out from Venice but because it is candid and not taken by us. Most other photo’s of ourselves were self portraits, the camera sitting atop a tripod, a blank stare on our faces as we wait for the self timer to go off.
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- Here we are under the detailed Byzantine styled arch adjacent to the Polo family home not far from the Rialto Bridge in Venice.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- The Chinese mu yu or slit drum is hollowed out from a solid log, usually in the shape of a fish, and it used ritually
in Buddhist and Taoist temples.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- The best-known parts of the Great Wall were built
after the fall of the Yuan dynasty, when the Ming
emperors determined that China would never again
be overrun by the Mongols.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- Venetian merchants, including the Polos, traded extensively in silk and, by the fourteenth century, the Italians themselves had learned the secret.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- The inside of the tomb of Christ, or Holy Sepulchre, where the Polos obtained the precious holy oil requested
by Kublai Khan, who believed it held miraculous properties.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- Kublai Khan had requested that the Polo brothers return to him with one hundred
scholarly priests, hand-chosen by the pope, as well as with holy oil from a lamp that the
faithful believe burns eternally inside Christ’s tomb.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- Erdene Zuu Monastery, Karakorum, Mongolia. Before Kublai embraced Tibetan Buddhism, the Mongols were shamanistic, worshipping heaven or the “clear
blue sky.”
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- “There is not a bridge in the world to compare with it... It has 24 arches and piers and is built entirely of gray
marble . . . on either side are columns topped by marble lions of great beauty and workmanship.”
--Marco Polo
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- A young monk festively adorned for the Cham festival.
Tibetans send their sons to the lamasery to be educated in Buddhist scriptures, Tibetan language, handwriting, literature and art as well as philosophy, logic and astronomy.Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- Our traveling companion, somewhere out on the steppes. After the fall of the Yuan, the Mongols went back to their old shamanistic ways before re-adopting Tibetan Buddhism in the sixteenth century.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- The parasol is one of eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. Its
function is to cast a shadow, symbolizing protection from the
heat, suffering, and desire of spiritually harmful forces.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- “There are great numbers of maidens who are dedicated to amusing their male and female idols, to which they sing and dance and afford the merriest sport in the world.”
--Marco PoloPhoto © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy, Sri Lanka. A tooth of the
Buddha is encased in seven gold caskets studded with precious stones, which have been given by various
rulers over the centuries.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- The ruins of Warangal where Rani Rudrama Devi ruled from 1261 until her death in 1296, the year after the Polos returned home.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
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- Built in 1268, the Keshava Temple at Somanathapura is adorned with a riot of human figures that gave us a snapshot of daily life in the Hoysola kingdom at precisely the time Polo was there.
Photo © Denis Belliveau. All rights reserved
Bravo!!These photos are fabulous – the portraits are so sensitive & lifelike, you feel as if you know the people. Don’t think you can beat that view of Venice!
I was fortunate to catch the film In the Footsteps of Marco Polo while visiting New Jersey. I was amazed at the journey by these two great humans. And, Mr. Belliveau’s photo’s allowed me to experience their adventure yet again. Thank you so much.
I have visited several parts of the world and Asia is my favourite place. India , a land of very great contrasts, Iran, Afghanistan, Mongolia and China is very picturesque. I enjoy the very vivid pictures which evokes memory of time spent in India.I applaud the adventure of these two great individuals who displayed ingenuity in the rediscovery of Marco Polo. I would like to communicate with them.
Pictures can be beautiful because they are high quality or because they tell a good story. The really magnificent photos are the ones that do both.
I teach high school history and world cultures, I recently saw the documentary an dinfused it with my lessons on the Age of Exploration. I truly has opened my student’s eyes to the beautiful cultures studied in Maroco’s book. I will continue to use this resource as long as I teach and look forwward to watching it again soon. I have been to Venice and China and would sell just about anything to get to some of the places these two braves explorers dared to travel. My students were mesmorized by the journey and the stories. thank you for this, all the best!
Photo #9 above is so distressing. I much preferred the authors dressed in garb, bearded, scruffy… along their journey. In this obviously post adventure photo, they look so…normal. How depressing
colin:our class just finished the movie and really enjoyed it.the sheep being torn apart was disgusting.
Hello
I’m 14 and in Mandy’s class. I enjoyed the seeing your love for history and travel. I liked the part when you shaved your head haha (to Francis) What made yall want to go on this journey? I liked where you saved yourselves with the cigarettes!
salutations francis! I just finished your movie and i really liked it! My favorite part was when you shot the ak-47!
I just finished the movie and I really enjoyed it. It was very fascinating I think my favorite part was when you were forging the visas.
I thought that was funny. I also really liked the pictures, they were very cool.: )
I just finished watching the movie it was awesome:D I really thought that it was cool that Francis got a real tattoo.
I really enjoyed watching the movie. I liked it when you went to Mongolia. I would like to visit there.
Denny and I meet – its hard to believe but almost a quater of a century ago on an archeological dig in the south of France – with a passion for art and history we spent the next fifteen years traveling hard and close to the ground , never knowing we were but honing our skills , for the great task that still lay before us . If you put Marco Polo aside we had all ready seen and done things that most could never dream of ! All the while Denis recorded these journeys as well ( I hope these photos too will be reproduced in some type of photo book ) on one such occasion while in the Peruvian Andes , Den took a remarkable photo that won Kodaks highest award – but as it is plane to see from the images above all of Denny’s work is Remarkable ! The fact is that the photo’s above ,the images used in both the film and the book represent just a small part of the Marco Polo archive , ” the tip of the iceberg ” as it were ! Good going Mr. Belliveau – your a true artist – a good egg ! And I’m Proud to call you friend – Best Friend – Francis
When the autor’s come to my school, they showed us the video and every1 loved it! I was wondering where I could get it. (P.S.- they came 0n 2/13 and to our parent teacher confrences to remind them!)(It’s in Bayside, NY.)
Funny as it sounds i recorded the show because i never knew anything about Marco Polo. Of course i have heard of him, but that was about it. So I decided to watch just as a curiosity to see if it would interest me and i can honestly admit i barely blinked the whole time. What a story and what imagery. One of the greats that i have seen, very inspiring without the movie trying to make an inspiring impression. Just two guys and some camera’s not looking for fame and fortune just adventure. Thanks for opening eyes on not just the world, but in many ways in life. Q. do any of you guys have websites for your artwork, i would love to get my hands on some painting of Francis or some prints of Denis’
WOW….Am blown away by your amazing trek as you followed Marco Polo’s footsteps! I’m going to order the book and rewrite lesson plans using your experiences for my World Cultures classes at Stadium H. S. in Tacoma, WA. Your down-to-earth observations about a remote part of our world will be a refreshing respite from scholarly, sanitized drivel that often passes for documentaries. Mr. Belliveau’s pictures are compelling and speak volumes. One question….Do you think your travels and the way you were received be different if you did them today, post 9/11? Thanks for sharing your contribution to humanity. Shirl
I happen to have a trip to Kyrgyzstan planned for this fall. You guys are the greatest!! You are an inspiration for us all. Makes me want to walk to Kryg instead of fly.
I have had the great fortune to be in attendance for a recent presentation given by francis and
Dennis at a meeting of the photo society of United Nations. First let me say as a photographer I must admit I was more than a bit jealous , Mr Belliveau’s photo’s are amazing ! Almost as amazing as the pairs accounts of their adventure following Marco Polo’s trail ! I assure
you that the room was full of well traveled , worldly and accomplished people , many of my whom are my colleagues and were overwhelmed at the international scale and nonpolitical scope of their endeavor, one which seemed to foster tolerance and understanding . We were as they say the perfect target audience and we were astounded . What really grabs you about these two , aside from their bravey , determination and great wealth of knowledge is that the are humble and don’t seem to think or take themselves to serious , an endearing quality considering their achievement !
I watched the show on PBS (WNED Buffalo/Toronto) a few nights ago. I was fascinated at how they put up with the conditions and worked through the difficult issues they had. I was most amazed at how they were in Iran seeing an anti-American rally.
I just finished reading your book In the footsteps of Marco Polo and MUST make a comment. Ordinarily, I don’t choose to read books of this size because they are too uncomfortable to read lying down and that is the position I most often assume when reading. However, the book captured my attention a couple of weeks ago in our public library, so I checked it out thinking I would scan the pictures. The pictures drew me in and before I knew it I was hooked on reading the book. The pictures are fabulous, but the text is just as good. Every day for the past two weeks, I have sat at my kitchen table reading at least three chapters. Marco Polo has become a real person for me, not only because you quoted him so frequently, but I think both you zany guys embody many of his character traits. Marco Polo’s nonjudgemental acceptance of people he met helped him not only survive but thrive and made it possible for him return home and later write his story. Your nonjudgemental stance opened many doors for you and enabled you to return and tell your story. Very little has changed in terms of how to best interact with strangers. You have broadened my horizons and I thank you!! Now I want to see the film everyone is talking about above.
I saw the presentation in Long Island at Port Washington Public Library and thought it was stupendous. I would love Francis and Dennis to do the same
program for the Photographer’s Federation of Long Island. Is there a chance? Please email me back and let me know. Thank you, Lorraine
Recently I had the good fortune of seeing one of your presentations in Chicago and was blown away! You guys should do a nation-wide lecture tour; I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be fascinated with your amazing adventures! Thanks for your inspiration & for wearing authentic goat-skin clothing down on Michigan Avenue. I’m not sure anyone has done that since Chicago was founded . . .
The most inspiring documentary I have seen, It has touched my soul and a part of me has been aroused. I only dream of such adventure and would I be as brave as the two of you. Thank you for taking me with you Mararet
I wish that you would have the picture of you guys with Marco Polo will , on your photo book.
Also I did add you to wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Polo#Histortic
This was such a wonderful and enlightening journey, I think everyone should see this and could take something from it . . .cheers all. I watched this with my nine year old son and he too loved this and even agreed to go with me to these places someday!
Great photographs. My favorite one is where Denis and Francis have the famed Khyber Pass in the background. I spent many years of my life in this area and it brings me back some wonderful memories every time I watch the documentary and the photo gallery. I met Denis at the Celebration of Teaching and Learning.I bet that famous cap goes everywhere with him. Happy Travels to Denis and Francis.
There is such love in all these pics
i lost count of how many times I watched the show. Think I saw it about 6X on TV, and about the same on line. Incredible..
Dear Vince , Thank you so very much , Everyone always asked us why we would do something this crazy and who would care anyway ? But we always knew there were people like you out there who care about history , the world and the people and events that populate both ! Thats not to mention adventure and just the pure joy of traveling ! If you contact me I’ll make sure you get a copy of our film , not ” Yet ” for sale to the public ! And make sure to take the time to read our book of the same name …… As much as I love the film , you know what they say ? The Book is always better ……….. and when your not busy watching or reading ” In the footsteps …… get out there and travel yourself and bring us along as we did Marco , your friend Francis
I happened to be coming home from China on a Air Canada Flight and this documentary about Marco Polo was listed.. I knew of his name but not all that he did. All I can say is “WOW” What an interesting video. I came home and told my husband and kids how interesting it was and I’m hoping I can view it on line with my husband and kids so they can see it as well. I give you both a lot of credit for doing all that you did.
The photos you have here are amazing and I second what one of your fan’s said “Pictures can be beautiful because they are high quality or because they tell a good story. The really magnificent photos are the ones that do both”
This past Summer I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Francis O’Donnell at the Houston International Festival. I watched the film and quite honestly was blown away by this amazing project and achievement that was completed. Few humans have EVER traveled like this and even fewer in the 20th century. Also the book “In the Footsteps of Marco Polo” is exceptionally well written and laid out gorgeously with amazing pictures. I bought five copies for myself and to give out as gifts for Christmas! Thank you Francis and Denis for your amazing story!
I watched the documentary when it first came on television and loved it. Now, I show bits of it in my college humanities classes when we talk about this the time in which Marco Polo lived. I encourage students to use it as a springboard into their final projects. I love to travel, and have enjoyed many trips over the years to Australia, New Zealand, Ukraine, and elsewhere. But, most of my students have never traveled outside of the U.S., or, if they have, it has been while stationed abroad in the military. Students are fascinated to hear about this journey. It sets them dreaming about their own journeys and that, to me, is just what college classes should do! Thanks for adding immeasurably to my life and to the lives of my students!