It was chilly, windy, and the perfect day to spend time indoors looking at priceless art!
These are the 10 artworks that really fascinated me at the Louvre Museum, and I think you should see them when you come! It was my first visit to Louvre, and heeding the advices I have seen online, I booked a 4 pm time slot on a Friday. The Louvre Museum opens late on Wednesdays and Fridays, extending its opening time to 21:45 from the usual 18:00.
I came in quite cluelessly, but also knew that I wanted to see the iconic pieces that makes people around the world crowd into Louvre: the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the painting Liberty Leading the People (yes, the Coldplay Viva La Vida painting). I was able to see all three, and came out with new favorites 🙂
Some tips to start:
- Come in through the Carrousel entrance. Avoid the pyramid if you already have your ticket! I had to come in through the Pyramid because there was a maniféstation (political protest) along Rue Rivoli, and they closed down this entrance. Avoid the long lines and choose the Carrousel instead!
- Getting the map and audio guide. Get the map (available in 7 languages) at the welcome desk when you come in. After that, you can also get the audio guide for a fee. They also have lockers, free wi-fi, and free phone charging lockers.
- See more tips and tricks HERE to make your visit more enjoyable!
Here are the artworks I really loved (not in order of visit):
1. The Winged Victory of Samothrace (190 BC)
Simply majestic. The Winged Victory of Samothrace portrays a woman, thought to be the goddess of victory Nike, was recovered from the island of Samothrace in Greece. It is placed on top of the main staircase on the Sully wing (level 1). I was speechless; the setting, the base shaped like a ship’s bow, the carved marble showing the imprint of wet cloth.. simply astounding. I took some time to stay on the balcony across the statue to take it all in.
3. Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss (1787)
Ah, who doesn’t love a little bit of romance. The story of Cupid and Psyche is one famous tale of jealousy, distrust, betrayal, and sacrifice. The statue embodies the scene where Cupid revived Psyche, who had fallen into a deep sleep while accomplishing the impossible tasks from Aphrodite- Cupid’s jealous mother. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. The couple got Zeus’ permission and got married.
4. The Souliot Women (1795 – 1858)
This painting, on the other hand, is tragic. It depicts the mass suicide of the women and children from Souli, Greece. During the Souliote War, these women decided to throw themselves off a cliff rather than submit to the Ottoman Empire and be subjected to enslavement and rape. The legend says that they did this while singing and dancing, giving way to the name Dance of Zalongo.
5. Liberty Leading the People (1830)
The famous painting is situated in the Denon wing, level 1. Shown in the painting is the symbolism of France, Marianne, during the Second French Revolution. It shows people from different walks of life, determined to achieve the same thing.
French crown jewels
I think the pictures explain themselves. Walk into Galerie d’Apollon (near Mona Lisa as well) and admire the bling.
6. Emerald and Diamond Tiara of Duchesse d’Angoulême
This is the emerald and diamond tiara of the Duchesse d’Angoulême. She was the only child of King Louis XVI and Queen Mary Antoinette to survive the French revolution! It has 40 emeralds (77 carats, set in yellow gold) and 1,031 diamonds (176 carats, set in silver).
7. Crown of Louis XV.
8. Sapphire and Diamond Parure of Queen Marie Amélie
This blue parure is the sapphire and diamond parure of Queen Marie Amélie. It is said to be previously owned by Queen Marie Antoinette and Empress Joséphine- first wife of Napoleon I!
9. Pearl and Diamond Tiara of Empress Eugénie
This is Empress Eugénie’s pearl and diamond tiara. It was commissioned by Napoleon III for his soon-to-be wife. It has 212 pearls and 1998 diamonds!
10. Emerald and Diamond Parure of Empress Marie Louise
This set was owned by Empress Marie Louise of France (Napoleon I’s 2nd wife). It has 138 emeralds, 382 rose-cut diamonds, and 2,126 brilliant-cut diamonds.
11. Boy Strangling a Goose (500 BC)
This is a personal favorite! I saw the exact same statue at Munich’s Glyptothek and apparently 4 of these statues are a set from the same Roman villa. The rest are in Geneva and Vatican!
12. The Mona Lisa
Ah, La Joconde- the French name for Mona Lisa. I would love to be able to appreciate the painting more; but the crowd (even on a Friday night) is just too much to handle.
13. Slaves by Michelangelo
These are the Rebellious Slave and the Dying Slave by Michelangelo. They are actually unfinished, but was supposed to be created for a pope’s funerary monument.
Hope you enjoyed this post, and have fun in the Louvre Museum! 🙂
P.S. = Check out some tips and tricks in visiting the Louvre, based on experience! Also find out the artworks you should see at the Musée d’Orsay. 🌟
Pin It!
