Terra: Le Louvre – Paris, France

Terra: Le Louvre – Paris, France
Creative Commons Image via The LEAF Project

Le Louvre- one of the world’s largest museums. It is home to some of the finest works of artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Auguste Renoir. There are sculptures, paintings, drawings, and countless other works of art. Also, Le Louvre is home to lots of ancient art and artifacts- both European and otherwise.

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Terra: Le Louvre
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Upon walking into the immense lobby, I remember that le Louvre is the world’s most visited museum in the world. This fact is supported by the sea of other tourists that surrounds me, moving around in every which way. In fact, when my group moves across the lobby to establish a meeting point, we have to hold on to eachothers shoulders in order to stay together.

When the group finally breaks itself up, I decide to tag along with my mother and cousin, who accompanied me on the plane ride over, and shared a hotel room with me. It is their first time at le Louvre. For me, it is the second, but I know there will still be much to explore. After all, it is impossible to explore the entirety of le Louvre in one short visit.

The first piece of art we see is the Winged Victory of Samothrace. This is probably my favorite statue that I’ve seen at le Louvre. It is just how I remember it from my last visit- proud, despite the damage done to its wings. The statue is like a fallen angel, majestic in the brightness of the sun showing through the skylight. Even though this statue is missing a head and ligaments, it is beautiful. In fact, the missing parts give it character, and I don’t think I’d prefer it as much if they were intact.

Terra: Le Louvre
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The next well-remembered piece we see is the famous Mona Lisa, painted by the talented Leonardo da Vinci. Not many wouldn’t recognize the mysterious half-smile of the subject in this painting. The crowd in front of this painting is far worse than the crowd near the entrance, and it makes the painting seem so small. This crowd is less a crowd, and more a jumble of people, who are evidently from all over. Their language is a Japanese, English, French, German hybrid. I wonder how Leonardo would react if he knew that this many different kinds of people were so inclined by his work.

It is impossible to get a very good picture. Cameras are held high above heads, as some at least try. Every time I try, at least one other person gets into my shot.

Terra: Le Louvre
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We see countless other pieces during our short time at le Louvre, such as the “Venus de Milo” and “The coronation of Napoleon.” In fact, the museum is like a piece of artwork itself, with articulately painted ceilings, and shiny marble floors. What amazing an experience this would be for someone with artistic aspirations!

The highlight of my trip that day, however, is not a piece of art, but an artifact, Marie Antoinette’s last letter to her sister. The reason for this is because, it was in French- a different language- and I am able to read it. I read every last sentence about Marie’s fright and anguish over her looming death, and it touches me, because I feel as if all the work I’ve done to learn French has paid off.

If you ever find yourself in a place like le Louvre, explore all you can. Even after you’ve explored, explore some more. I assure you, there will always be something new to find.

Marcella Del Plato
LEAF Contributor