The Travelling Celts

The Louvre

by Michael Cameron

The Louvre is the world's most-visited museum, and a historic landmark in Paris, France. It is the home of some of the best-known works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. It is located on the Right Bank of the Seine. At any given point in time, approximately 38,000 objects from prehistory to the 21st century are being exhibited over 72,000 square metres. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built in the late 12th to 13th century under Philip II. Remnants of the Medieval Louvre fortress are visible in the basement of the museum. Due to urban expansion, the fortress eventually lost its defensive function, and in 1546 Francis I converted it into the primary residence of the French Kings. The building was extended many times to form the present Louvre Palace. In 1682, Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles for his household, leaving the Louvre primarily as a place to display the royal collection. The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings.

We've been lucky enough to visit the Louvre twice, once in 1984, and again in 2014. The 30 year gap saw massive improvements and was a much more enjoyable visit. I have 3 particular favourite paintings. The Mona Lisa (of course), Liberty leading the people, and for some reason The Death of Marat.

We took photographs of several paintings that particularly took our eye, or had an interesting back story. One unexpected treat was the Artist who was copying The Young Martyr by Delaroche, it was most impressive and I could have watched him for hours. Delaroche also produced one of my favourite paintings of all time - The execution of Lady Jane Grey, housed in London's National Gallery. A tragic story if ever there was one.

As you might notice we also went down to the basement to see the original foundations, all very interesting. I'd certainly go back to the Louvre in a flash, and next time in Paris, intend to book a hotel as close as we can get (and afford).

Click the links below for the Louvre photos and/or videos