The Louvre
View from the Louvre.
We dedicate today to the Louvre. We slept in a bit, our normal routine, and ventured out for a heavy lunch, just as the Parisians do. We arrived at the Louvre expecting outrageously long lines, but there were automated ticket machines with no lines, so we got in straight away.
We did a targeted visit and didn’t expect, or even attempt, to see the entire museum. We will come back. Since Mel studied art and art history, he had his must-sees. Among them were the works of Eugène Delacroix and Jacques-Louis David.
An ornate ceiling inside the Louvre.
The Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre. One of the most celebrated sculptures in the world, the piece dates from the 2nd century BC.
The Mona Lisa. Even this room is not large enough to contain her admirers.
Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, by Antonio Canova and sculpted in 1787.
Expanded view of Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, by Antonio Canova.
Leaning on a tree, welcoming all to the sculpture hall at the Louvre.
Aphrodite of Milos, a.k.a Venus de Milo, was sculpted in Greece around 130 BC.
The Three Graces sculpture in the Louvre.
The top of the Louvre's pyramid is gleaming in the afternoon sun.
While the museum was very crowded, we were able to see most of the works we came to find. I never was able to locate Hammurabi’s Code, but we’ll be back. Of course, we just scratched the surface—the museum’s area covers 15 acres and will need many future visits to see properly.