Art in France: The Louvre! 2011-12

The Louvre (insert deep sigh). Wow. So much art history in one glorious building it is mind-blowing. This time we spent most of our time viewing sculptures and I have to say I was LOVIN' them! More than the paintings (gasp). I took a lot of pictures and so will post them over a couple of days. You're not allowed flash photography so I did the best I could under the circumstances. I was just thrilled we were allowed to take pictures. Last summer when I was vistiting the National Gallery in Ottawa it was forbidden. The Louvre allows it, Ottawa doesn't? Oh well...

Without further ado!

Winged Victory of Samothrace, 2nd century BC, marble

This was my favourite piece. The craftsmanship is out-of-this-world. If you look at the belly area - you can see the sheer fabric laying over the skin - all marble. Remarkable. It all looks so light but it is massive, heavy marble. A feat.

Aphrodite accroupie dite <>, 1-11 century AD, marble
I copied the above notation from the plaque. I photogrpahed this from behind because I found this little perfect hand so intriguing. I think the plaque says that it was the remains of the carving of Eros (cupid) attached to the back. It was discovered in the ruins of Palais des Miroirs, à Saint-Romain en Gal, Isère, France.

 Venus de Milo, 2nd century BC

There was a crowd around Venus and after taking the above shot I stood back and took in the crowd, taking in Venus. Right in front of me someone was capturing the moment on an iPad. I loved the juxtaposition of ancient and modern.

A wonderfully carved bust. The plaque read: 

Collection Borghèse. Antinoüs Mondragone. Marble. Vers 130 apres J.C. Italy.