We only spent a day here so barely scratched the surface - with over 5,000 works of art, it is estimated to take nine months to simply glance at each one. We followed the experts' advice and mapped out our route ahead of time. Our strategy was to pick a few areas to see, as well as some of the most well-known. We were lucky in that we didn't run into huge crowds and could easily see all that we had planned. What really blows you away in addition to the amazing collections is the building in which it is housed. Built over eight centuries, the Louvre was the former royal residence, and was turned into a national museum in 1793 by France's Revolutionary National Assembly.
I.M. Pei's pyramid is such an amazing space - it easily accommodates the throngs of people all rushing around - school groups, tour groups, and everyone else - and does so with an openness and reflection of the historic building that is the Palace de Louvre.
Above four photos are building/architectural elements. Below, "Liberty Leading the People" by Eugene Delacroix, 1831.
Venus de Milo - late 2nd century B.C.
We were able to get close and observe this work for quite awhile - more amusing was stepping back and looking at everyone else looking at the picture. It seems that many people's goal was to snap their pictures and quickly leave, so it was actually easy to work our way to the front and stay there while everyone bustled around us. The photo below is not a good picture of the work - behind glass and about ten feet behind the rope doesn't allow for a good photo.
Winged Victory of Samothrace - this is a stunning piece in a remarkable setting - placed at the top of a grand staircase, it is easy to imagine its original placement on a hilltop commemorating a naval victory.
The largest canvas in the Louvre - The Coronation of Emperor Napoleon - depicts the scene in Notre Dame when Napoleon crowned himself as emperor, the pope sitting passively behind him.
There is an amazing collection of original Greek sculpture. Above is a piece that once decorated the exterior of the Parthenon (mid 5th century BC), showing the sacred procession of young women who marched up the temple hill every four years with an embroidered shawl for the 40 foot statue of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Even though the accompanying description took care to explain that the French diplomat was given permission to take this several years ahead of the British taking their pieces, I am sure that the Greeks see little difference and would like it back.
Below, Arts de L'Islam is a new addition to the Louvre and its largest expansion since the creation of the Pyramid 20 years ago. It is located under a cool roof set in one of the courtyards of the palace, and exhibits items spanning geography (Spain to India) and time ( 8th to 19th centuries).
This was made out of one piece of bronze - incredible!
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