A Look Around the Louvre
This semester, I have been fortunate enough to study abroad in Ireland. In doing so, I have been able to catch a few Ryanair flights to other European countries, one of which being France. While in France, I went to many delightful boulangeries and took in the sights of the incredible architecture of Paris.
As this is an arts journal, I decided to take up my pen to write about some works of art that caught my attention, while I wandered through the very impressive Louvre museum.
Our first piece of art is actually not a painting or sculpture, but rather Napoleon III’s Apartments. The museum has done an incredible job keeping the apartment in pristine condition, allowing one to transport back in time once stepping inside. The spectacular detail in every inch of the rooms is mind-boggling, and it was a definite highlight of my time spent at the Louvre. And, as someone who has a deep interest in architecture and interior design, it was spectacular to behold in person.
Next, the Mona Lisa. My expectations were not incredibly high before seeing this piece, as I had been told time and time again that it was so small when actually seen in person (akin to expecting a billboard and receiving a postage stamp). But, I must say, Miss Mona exceeded my expectations because while it may be a modest portrait size, it holds up in its legendary prestige. I would have never imagined this piece to be monstrous in size anyway, as it is simply a portrait that happened to cling to popular culture. Additionally, I think the reason people find it small in person is rather the large blank wall they hung the painting on, as opposed to the actual size of the artwork. Overall, there was just something so special about seeing one of the most famous art pieces in the world just a few meters away. A moment that is incredibly surreal and incomprehensible to fully take in.
As far as large-scale paintings go, two highlights for me were The Last Supper by Frans Pourbus the Younger (17th century) and The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese (16th century). The Last Supper is quite an iconic image and to see it before you in such a large frame is simply jaw dropping. And The Wedding at Cana, displayed in the same room as the Mona Lisa, is simply so beautiful because of its vivid bright colors and grandiose size. And as someone who is Christian, it was wonderful to see these scenes depicted with such spectacular artistry.
A niche favorite painting of mine was the Project for the Transformation of the Grand Galerie of the Louvre by Hubert Robert (18th century). What caught my attention about this piece was its somewhat meta quality. The piece shows individuals adorned in 18th century attire in what they imagined the Grande Gallery in the Louvre should be renovated to look like. Even though it was only a proposed rendering of the space, it felt quite meta to be standing in the very same building that this artist from the 18th century was inspired by. It is an essential reminder that many walked this earth with their own dreams and ambitions before us, and brings to light the universal experience of being human.
Our next piece or rather pieces of art is this domed window room filled with statues. I am not sure whether this room has been featured in any film, but it had such a cinematic feel that drew you in right away. Between the architecture of the room, the impressive bright white statues that were complemented by beautiful green trees, and the grand see-through ceiling, this space had so much to offer visually.
I must also draw attention to the many fantastic ceiling murals throughout the Louvre, there are just so many all over the museum. All of these are incredibly detailed and it is almost impossible to try to discern how someone managed this level of detail while painting on a ceiling.
And last, but certainly not least, we have the Louvre building itself. It fits into the stunning Parisian architecture found all around the city with its timeless elegance. It also carries a very strong street presence due to its sheer size. Even if one doesn’t have the chance to tour the museum, a stroll past the Louvre complex is worth the journey.
The Louvre is so massive that it would take a very long time to actually be able to go through and appreciate every piece of art and room it has to offer. However, with the few hours I was able to spend there, these were the art pieces that stood out to me. Art is incredibly subjective, which is why it is so important for each person to discern their own favorites. And this idea of inherent subjectivity can apply to a multitude of subjects and thus, brings such variety and beauty to our world.
So until next time, readers, au revoir!
Written by: Katie Breuche