The
Louvre is the most famous museum in the world. It's the quintessential art gallery, filled with process pieces, historic artifacts, and more. Millions of people travel all the way to Paris just to visit this museum and bask in the glory of its most magnificent displays. There's the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci, for example, which is perhaps the most famous painting in the world. The “Venus de Milo” sculpture, on the other hand, is as iconic as ever. And let's not forget about the ever-so-mysterious “Winged Victory of Samothrace” either! These and more are what make the Louvre such an amazing museum.
Pyramid du Louvre
Even before you get inside, there's already an amazing artwork that welcomes you into the palatial Louvre estate. The Pyramid du Louvre is an architectural marvel designed by Chinese-American architect, I. M. Pei. It was completed back in 1988, making it among the newer and evidently more modern displays in the museum. Over time, it's become known as one of the finest cultural landmarks in the
1st arrondissement of Paris, almost rivaling the more historic pieces displayed inside the gallery.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mona Lisa
Easily the most famous display in the Louvre, Leonardo Da Vinci's “Mona Lisa” is the most iconic painting in the world. She’s practically become
Paris herself in many people’s eyes! No other work of art has garnered as much attention as this alluring portrait. Part of its fame is that it is full of mysteries, from the true identity of the woman in the painting to the expression she's showing to the viewer. Though it's widely believed that the painting depicts Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, a silk merchant in Florence, it's never been 100% confirmed.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Venus de Milo
From one famous woman to another, “Venus de Milo” is definitely among the must-see displays in the Louvre. It stands in the museum's Galerie des Antiques, known for its red marble finish. Set against the dark-toned walls, the whitewashed sculpture stands out even more. But what truly captivates viewers is how “Venus de Milo” still looks and feels complete even though her arms were broken off. This leaves everyone to imagine how the sculpture might have looked at its completion.
Source: Flickr.com/ Paul Beattie
Winged Victory of Samothrace
Another “incomplete” sculpture in the Louvre that never fails to fascinate visitors is the “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” also from the Hellenistic Age. Serving as the stunning centerpiece of the grand Daru Staircase, it's among the most attention-grabbing pieces in the art gallery. Even without its head and arms, you can just tell that sculpture portrays a majestic woman—in this case, the Greek goddess of victory, Nike—at her most powerful. And the details of her wind-swept dress and powerful wings?
Magnifique!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Psyche Revived by the Kiss of Love
“Psyche Revived by the Kiss of Love” is admittedly among the lesser-known displays in the Louvre. There are far more famous artworks in the Galerie Michel-Ange alone (where it's located), but that doesn't diminish its astounding beauty and detailed craft. From the drapery that barely covers Psyche's body to the curls of Cupid's hair, the attention to detail here is out of this world! It also packs such an emotional punch that it's quite fitting that it's housed in a
museum in Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Coronation of Napoleon
Despite how infamous and controversial Napoleon Bonaparte's name has become over the years, it doesn't change the fact that he was and is an important figure in French history. So it's only natural that the biggest and
most historic museum in Paris, the French capital, displays an artwork that depicts the most important moment in his life. The “Coronation of Napoleon” by Jacques-Louis David is among the most important paintings in the Louvre. The artwork itself is magnificent in its own right, but it also shows just how imposing Napoleon was during his reign.
Source: Flickr.com/ Dennis Jarvis
Liberty Guiding the People
Eugène Delacroix's “Liberty Guiding the People” is an important painting that captures the proud French heritage and history. It depicts the uprising of July 1830, also known as the “July Revolution,” in which the French Republicans overthrew King Charles X. Led by Marianne, the personification of France, the painting shows both the conviction and the suffering of the revolutionaries at that time. Though it happened years after the French Revolution that overthrew King Louis XVI, it was the July Revolution that sparked Europe's separation from constitutional monarchies. Similar revolutions started happening in other countries like Belgium, Germany, and Italy.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Jacopo Werther
The Wedding at Cana
Standing six meters tall and spanning ten meters wide, Véronèse's “The Wedding at Cana” is the biggest painting in Paris. You almost couldn't imagine that a single artist painted this masterpiece. But Véronèse (Paolo Caliari) did, in fact, create this artwork back in 1563. What makes it one of the best displays in the Louvre isn't just its sheer size, but rather the attention to detail too. The scene shows lots of things happening, from the musicians playing their instruments to servants pouring the water. Yet at the center of it all is Jesus Christ, glowing in His divine magnificence.
Source: Flickr.com/ Eugene
The Lacemaker
With so many incredible French and Italian art on offer, you never expected a Flemish painting to make it onto this list, did you? Jan Vemeer's “The Lacemaker” is an outstanding piece of art that deserves attention and further story. While it's not even among Vemeer's most famous works, it's still a notable painting on its own. Even Renoir and Van Gogh praised it themselves. The former went so far as to say that it's one of the most beautiful paintings in the world while the latter praised Vemeer's harmonious blend of colors.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Sailko
French Crown Jewels
Finally, a display that you probably didn't expect: the French crown jewels. France's monarchy has been gone for many centuries now and it's easy to forget that the country was once ruled by kings and queens. And while the nation is proud of its republic and liberty, it also hasn't forgotten the value and beauty of the crown jewels. Take the Crown of Louis XV, for example, which includes sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and topazes. The way it sparkles against the light is truly something else. Perhaps not even the finest
French jewelry brands could replicate its resplendent sheen.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Part of what makes the Louvre the most famous museum in the world is its priceless art collection. The displays here are some of the most beloved artworks in human history. Just seeing them in person will take your breath away!
