The 7 Most Famous Paintings at The Louvre

The Louvre is home to some of the world's most famous paintings, from Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa' to Jean-Auguste Dominque Ingres' 'Apotheosis of Homer'.

The Louvre is one of the most popular museums in the entire world. Here, you can see works by almost all of history's most well-known artists. 

The Louvre is a world-famous museum in Paris, France, and is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts, including many famous paintings. Some of the most well-known paintings at the Louvre include:

The Coronation of Napoleon I by Jacques-Louis David

 

Jacques-Louis David's 'The Coronation of Napoleon I' depicts the 1804 coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of the French. By commissioning this painting and other works, Napoleon wanted to draw a connection between his rule and those of previous French leaders.

This painting features a fan-shaped composition that captures Napoleon holding an imperial sword in one hand and kissing the Bible with the other. He is surrounded by allusions to ancient Roman scenes symbolizing his power and divine right to rule, creating an iconic work commemorating Napoleon's ascension.

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The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault

 

The Raft of the Medusa is an incredibly large painting it's 16 feet wide. Gericault's paintings were originally called Scene de Naufrage, and they show the aftermath of the French naval frigate Meduse running aground in Mauritania in 1816.

It depicts the desperate and hopeless situation of the survivors of the shipwreck. The lower portion of the painting features bodies on the verge of slipping beneath the water.

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Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix

 

Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix also known as la Liberte Guidant le Peuple. This portrait commemorates the July 1830 uprising in Paris, which toppled the monarchy.

A semi-naked woman holding a French flag and infantry gun is the subject of this work. Visitors can learn about the importance of the painting from Delacroix's biography. 

 

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Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

 

Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda, was the wife of Francesco del Giocondo. The half-length portrait has received acclaim as the archetypal masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.

The Mona Lisa has been the most talked-about and visited work of art in history. While visiting the Louvre, you'll want to take the time to learn about this famous painting's history.

Leonardo da Vinci began painting the Mona Lisa in Florence around 1503 and finished it in the French countryside in 1516. After he died, Francois I bought the painting and hung it in his Fontainebleau gallery.

The painting displays a woman in the half-body portrait, with a backdrop of natural scenery. La Gioconda sits with her arms folded as she looks at the observer and seems to have a softly smile.

The vague nature of her smile makes the iconic painting all the more enigmatic, provoking viewers to try to read the state of its inspiration.

In order to ensure that you see the Mona Lisa in person, it's best to purchase your tickets in advance.

Doing so will save you time in the ticket and security lines. La Gioconda enigmatic smile and her mysterious identity have made the painting a source of continuing research and fascination.

Bathsheba at Her Bath by Rembrandt

This painting of Bathsheba is one of the masterpieces in the Louvre's collection. The portrait depicts a woman bathing.

The subject is Bathsheba, who is said to be the queen of Israel. The artist created the oil painting of Bathsheba at her bath in 1654. The piece depicts the Old Testament story of King David seducing Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11.

The famous painting of Bathsheba is one of the earliest depictions of a woman in nudity and is considered one of the most beautiful pieces of Christian art.

The artist portrayed Bathsheba as both sinner and victim in this painting by using broad brushstrokes and vibrant coloration.

Oath of the Horatii by Jacques-Louis David

Oath of the Horatii shows three Horatii brothers and their father, with women sobbing in the background. The story behind the painting is based on a Roman legend.

Three brothers from the Horatius family were chosen to fight a ritual duel against three brothers from Alba Longa. They aimed to resolve disputes between the two cities. Two rival cities, Rome and Alba Longa were at war with each other.

The two sides agreed to send three brothers to fight for their country, but it would be the Romans who would prevail. They are depicted with swords and saluting their father. 

Autumn by Giuseppe Arcimboldo

 

Giuseppe Arcimboldo composed a series of "The four seasons”, which he designed the hypothetical aspects of every season with the most prominent typical component of the season being displayed on the artwork.

In the season of autumn, he portrays a unique design including fallen leaves, fruits, and mushrooms which are mostly common during autumn. 

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