The Louvre is ridiculous. The idea that it is the largest museum on the planet didn’t really register with me until I walked 30 mins to reach a single artwork. And I already want to go back again.
Marthese and I got to the underground entrance 30 mins before opening time, avoiding the pouring rain and the imminent crowds. As we were some of the first to be let in, exploring the early rooms using Rock Steves’ audio tour was surreal – it felt like we were all alone in this huge museum! We couldn’t believe we were alone at the Venus de Milo and could actually pose with it!
Soon enough the crowds made their way in and the audio tour took us through some of the worst of it, but it was still an excellent overview that took us to some of the best pieces ranging from Ancient Greek & Roman originals, to Renaissance paintings by the masters of the era, and upto post-Revolution French works. Paintings by Raphael & Veronese, sculptures by Michelangelo, and some awesome and significant works by the other ninja turtle – Leonardo DaVinci.
Mona Lisa Paparazzi
DaVinci’s paintings were a highlight, although the crowd around the Mona Lisa was a little unbearable. If the size of the famous portrait seems somewhat underwhelming, the rooms next door feature absolutely massive French works including the Coronation of Napolean (where he grabbed the crown from the Pope and placed it on his own head) and one of my favourites, the Raft of Medusa.
Tez in front of Napolean’s coronation
Once again, we would recommend the Rick Steves audio tour, we covered some of the best pieces in the museum in less than 2 hours! After this Marthese had her fill and trotted off home to leave me with my Nintendo 3DS to continue exploring the Louvre using the 3DS’ official Louvre Guide.
The 3DS worked well as an art and commentary resource, but was most effective at being a locative tool – showing you what room you were in, what art was around you, and how to get to where you need to go. You can also rent them at the Louvre – fancier bigger ones than the one I have 😦
I explored the remarkable Ancient Egyptian collection which gave an insight into everyday Egyptian life as well as the burial customs of its nobility. Then discovered antiquities of Byzantine origin, sculptures and religious artefacts from throughout French history, and a fairly exhaustive overview of European art history with some major names and significant pieces blurring into one big mess in my head. Thankfully I can revisit the 3DS app when I want a refresher.
When the battery in my 3DS died, I wept a little, but saw it as a sign to leave the old palace. I skipped over to the Musee de l’Orangerie, avoiding the huge puddles left by the recent downpour, and was soon sitting restfully on a bench admiring Monet’s huge water lily paintings. This tranquil moment was a great antidote to my previous zig-zagging through the Louvre. After briefly enjoying some more impressionist art elsewhere in the building, I headed home for our final Parisian dinner.
An amazing experience, and I truly hope to visit the Louvre again one day. Or maybe 3 or 4 days.
Elias Rambles 