Part 1
The former residence of French kings and emperors, the Louvre is now home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of paintings, sculptures and artifacts. Estimates have it that the Louvre possesses approximately 380,000 pieces of art and exhibits to the public roughly 35,000 of those pieces daily.
Louvre Ceiling
The Three Graces (Greek 500 B.C.)
Syrian (2nd Century)
Yes, when you think of the Louvre you think of the Mona Lisa – but really, there is so much more to see. This former palace is divided into “departments.” Each focusing on a specific area of the Louvre’s immense collection. For paintings you have Italian renaissance, French, Dutch, Flemish and Spanish masterpieces, all from the 15th to the mid 19th century.
Liberty Leading the People (Delacroix)
Combat de David & Goliath (Ricciarelli)
The Louvre is also known and well respected for its departments of Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities; Egyptian and near eastern antiquities; Arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas ; Arts of Islam. Lose yourself in theses sections among bronzes, mosaics, sculptures, jewelry, tapestries, pottery, architecture and furniture.
The Winged Victory Samothrace (Greek)
Sainte Famille with Elizabeth (Raphaël)
Sarcophagus (Jérusalem)
I love visiting the Paris Louvre. It is like walking through the pages of my old college art history book.
Vases (Egyptian, 1st Century)
Rebel Slave (Michelangelo)
Saint Paul Ermite (Ribera)
Word to the wise - buy the audio. You will learn so much more about the art work as well as the Louvre structure itself.
The photographs in this post are not necessarily the most popular paintings or artifacts at the Louvre, but works of art that speak to me and ones I consider very beautiful. After a visit to the Paris Louvre, you too will have your favorites.
Musée Louvre Paris
Rue de Rivoli
75001