Few have not heard of Paris' famous Louvre. The most iconic and beloved art museum in the world, it is home to an incredibly rich and priceless collection that includes pieces from ancient civilizations all over the globe and works by history's most famous artists. Among these works is the impossibly famed Mona Lisa but there is much more to see. Just find a vacation rental in Paris and check out our picks of other must-see works in the collection.
3. The Lacemaker, Vermeer, c. 1669–70
One of just seventeen works by Johannes Vermeer that still exist today and can be definitely attributed to the artist, this painting is a must-see purely because his works are so rare. In fact, if any gallery you visit has a Vermeer, make time for it.
3. The Lacemaker, Vermeer, c. 1669–70
One of just seventeen works by Johannes Vermeer that still exist today and can be definitely attributed to the artist, this painting is a must-see purely because his works are so rare. In fact, if any gallery you visit has a Vermeer, make time for it.
Completed between 1669 and 1670, it depicts a young woman dressed in a yellow shawl, holding up a pair of bobbins in her left hand as she carefully places a pin in the pillow on which she is making her bobbin lace. The smallest of Vermeer's paintings, it is also one of the most intriguing.
The art of lacemaking is portrayed closely and accurately and Vermeer probably made use of a camera obscura (a device he famously used in his work) while composing this work as many optical effects typical of photography can be seen, such as the blurring of the foreground.
4. Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione, Raphael, c.1514-1515
While portraits are not always the most interesting of works, this one is by the famous Renaissance master Raphael and is considered one of the great portraits of the Renaissance. It has, and continues to, influence subsequent artists for centuries.
The art of lacemaking is portrayed closely and accurately and Vermeer probably made use of a camera obscura (a device he famously used in his work) while composing this work as many optical effects typical of photography can be seen, such as the blurring of the foreground.
4. Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione, Raphael, c.1514-1515
While portraits are not always the most interesting of works, this one is by the famous Renaissance master Raphael and is considered one of the great portraits of the Renaissance. It has, and continues to, influence subsequent artists for centuries.
Depicting the diplomat and humanist Baldassare Castiglione, a great friend of the artists and a quintessential example of the High Renaissance gentleman, it was commissioned to leave with his family while he travelled, to remember him by in a time long before photographs. Elegant, beautifully lit and with great attention to detail (texture particularly), it perfectly records this refined and mannered man and, as such, is a refreshingly personable portrait from the time.
Be sure to read on to the final post in this series for our last picks of must-see works in the Louvre and keep them in mind during your next trip to France!
Be sure to read on to the final post in this series for our last picks of must-see works in the Louvre and keep them in mind during your next trip to France!
