To say that the Louvre is huge is probably an understatement. Wikipedia describes it as ‘one of the world’s largest museums, the most visited art museum in the world’ and home to over 35000 works of art, ranging from pre-history to modern times. Entering the place as we did via a passageway from the Palais Royale-Musee de Louvre metro station did not prepare us for the sheer size and magnificence of the place.
We finally got to see works of art that we had only seen in books - life-like sculptures, beautiful paintings, delicate glassware, and the list goes on … Here are just a few of my personal favourites:
Venus de Milo
Winged victory of Samothrace
Canova’s Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss
Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa
What, to me, felt even more enchanting that seeing these masterpieces face to face was the thought that I was walking in the footsteps of the Sun King. It was easy to imagine Louis XIV with his impeccably curled wig, his rich clothes, his high heeled shoes and with hundreds of courtiers and ladies surrounding him, mincing his way across the marble floors of this sumptuous palace.
What I had a hard time coming to terms with was how people found their way around this enormous place. I kept wondering whether they used to carry a map, like I was doing. Or perhaps living in the same place, day in day out, ensured that they had no problems navigating their way around.
Of course, Louis XIV considered the Louvre to be too small and dingy for his grand tastes, so he built the palace of Versailles. Which begs the question, how big, exactly, is Versailles?
After 4 hours of sheer art overdose, we decided that we couldn’t take anymore. It really is physically and mentally impossible to see the Louvre in a day. We exited through the Louvre Pyramid a structure built in 1988 to house the new visitor’s centre.
Architecturally, the Louvre is as imposing on the outside as it is on the inside. Even the grey clouds and rain that greeted us as we walked out could do nothing to dispel the sense of regality that the place exudes. It is sumptuous, over the top and majestic. A bit like its last royal owner, I suppose.
Amazing place!
ReplyDeletethank you for letting me escape to these beautiful places, through your images and words. (i would get lost in that place, for sure!)
ReplyDeleteas amazing as the louvre is, there is only so much museum you can take in one day!
ReplyDeletehappy thanksgiving to you and yours, dear loree♡♡♡
Strange that you were allowed to take pictures !! I remember I was very disappointed about the Mona Lisa painting, it's such a tiny thing and that Pyramide in the middle of this beautiful building is just like a punch on the eye ! Doesn't fit at all !
ReplyDeleteOh Loree, what an absolutely magnificent place you got to enjoy there. It's so glorious to see. Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteI can see how you are integrating the blogs, now.
ReplyDeleteI understand you need to set aside like a week to make it through the entire museum. I especially liked the image of Cupid's Kiss as I have just recently read the story of Cupid and Psyche.
Wow!
ReplyDeleteI've never been there myself but my daughter has.
Strange that you took pictures... my daughter said it wasn't allowed.
I hope I will have the opportunity to visit the Louvre someday. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures with us.
Sue.
Such a lovely tour. Thank your for such beauty ~ xox Alexandra
ReplyDeleteWowww... What a wonderful post, Loree. I bow. Thank you so much...
ReplyDeleteI too remember walking out through that pyramid and being completely exhausted and drained from seeing so much beauty. I couldn't believe my kids stayed inside as long as they did but it sure is a lot to absorb!
ReplyDeleteI was 16 when I first saw it. Amazing place. Love your pics.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post...magnificent shots !!Wowness...thankyou!
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