The Louvre, or Musée du Louvre, is, without a doubt, the most famous art gallery in the entire world. It is the third most visited museum in the world after the Palace Museum and National Museum of China in Beijing, with over seven million visitors annually. Originally a fortress, the building has gone through many different periods of uses, alterations and expansions and reflects many centuries and stylistic periods. It, in of itself, is a tourist attraction. However, it is the insane, priceless collection of artworks that attracts visitors in their millions each year. This collection is made up of works by Picasso, Titian, Da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Velázquez, Monet, Manet and many more world-famous artists besides, as well as ancient artifacts and artworks from all over the globe.
No doubt, the most famous work of all in the Louvre, is Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, however, there is much more to see besides. So, once you have found a vacation rental in Paris, makes sure to drop by and track down our picks of other must-see works in the museum.
No doubt, the most famous work of all in the Louvre, is Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, however, there is much more to see besides. So, once you have found a vacation rental in Paris, makes sure to drop by and track down our picks of other must-see works in the museum.
1. Dying Slave, Michelangelo, 1513-6
Another big Renaissance name that you can't miss out on in the Louvre is Michelangelo. His “Dying Slave” is an over-lifesized figure at 2.15m tall and was originally meant to feature, with another figure, the Rebellious Slave, on the tomb of Pope Julius II. It's hard to imagine but, as it didn't fit the eventual tomb site, it was given away – we can't imagine many people giving away a Michelangelo piece today!
While this figure is meant to be dying, he seems almost intoxicated and strikes a rather sensuous pose, leaning back, arching his spine and placing one hand behind his head and the other across his chest. Young and handsome, he seems to be merely falling asleep.
Although this is not the artist's most famous work, it perfectly encapsulates Michelangelo's mastery of human anatomy, inventive poses and penchant for pretty men.
Another big Renaissance name that you can't miss out on in the Louvre is Michelangelo. His “Dying Slave” is an over-lifesized figure at 2.15m tall and was originally meant to feature, with another figure, the Rebellious Slave, on the tomb of Pope Julius II. It's hard to imagine but, as it didn't fit the eventual tomb site, it was given away – we can't imagine many people giving away a Michelangelo piece today!
While this figure is meant to be dying, he seems almost intoxicated and strikes a rather sensuous pose, leaning back, arching his spine and placing one hand behind his head and the other across his chest. Young and handsome, he seems to be merely falling asleep.
Although this is not the artist's most famous work, it perfectly encapsulates Michelangelo's mastery of human anatomy, inventive poses and penchant for pretty men.
2. Venus de Milo, Alexandros of Antioch, Between 130 and 100 BC
This piece, meanwhile, is one of the most famous sculptures to ever exist. An iconic work, it crops up in pop culture references constantly: the Aphrodite of Milos, better known as the Venus de Milo.
An ancient Greek statue and one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture, it was created sometime between 130 and 100 BC. Believed to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, this marble work stands at slightly larger than life size at 2.03m tall. An inscription on its now lost plinth, told us that is was the work of Alexandros of Antioch and it is named after the Greek island of Milos, where it was discovered. It is most well-known for its mysterious two missing arms and as a work that inspired centuries of artists.
For more of our picks, be sure to read on to the following posts in this series and keep them in mind during your next trip to France.
This piece, meanwhile, is one of the most famous sculptures to ever exist. An iconic work, it crops up in pop culture references constantly: the Aphrodite of Milos, better known as the Venus de Milo.
An ancient Greek statue and one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture, it was created sometime between 130 and 100 BC. Believed to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, this marble work stands at slightly larger than life size at 2.03m tall. An inscription on its now lost plinth, told us that is was the work of Alexandros of Antioch and it is named after the Greek island of Milos, where it was discovered. It is most well-known for its mysterious two missing arms and as a work that inspired centuries of artists.
For more of our picks, be sure to read on to the following posts in this series and keep them in mind during your next trip to France.
Photo credits
Picture 2: Jörg Bittner Unna / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Darafsh / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 2: Jörg Bittner Unna / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Darafsh / CC BY-SA 3.0
