Step aside shellbacks, these are the true masters
Written: Nov 17 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Remarkable, Historical
Cons: Kids could be bored
|
|
|
| bermudabum's Full Review: Musée du Louvre |
Review Topic: Sights & Attractions
Forget the Ninja turtles the Louvre is home to all the great masters and I’m not talking about Splinter! First impressions may deceive you of the diversity held inside but you will automatically know this is not your typical museum. The Pyramid of glass, that covers the entrance to this dedication of and to the great artisans throughout history, stands out boldly against the myriad of watching statues in the multitude of archways and parapets of the surrounding buildings. The surrounding buildings not only contain parts of the museum but are also exhibits themselves. These fortifications having served not only as a museum for the last two centuries but also having been a medieval fortress and then Palace to the kings of France. The descent below into the museum allows you to see that like the pyramids of Egypt many untold treasures are beneath its shell even in the wandering catacombs that at one time were even parts of the moat.
The masterpieces of so many wonderful artisans line the walls, halls, ceilings and floors at every turn and glance. There is absolutely no way for a lover of fine art to even begin to see it all in one day so don’t try. Some paintings and sculptures could captivate an individual indefinitely on there own yet alone in a museum of the size and caliper as you will find here. The wondrous treasure rooms of this pyramid serving as a time capsule to so many eras of history and art.
The museum is broken into sections and halls dedicated to various classifications of origins and style. It is easiest to truly appreciate the museum by breaking your visit into several sections and trips as you are sure to be overwhelmed if you should attempt to take it all in on one visit. Not to worry though because each return will hold more secrets and inspiration than you can begin to imagine. Perhaps after several visits you might begin to understand why so many people within the museum will sit and write for hours upon hours of their findings and inspirations.
Let me tell you some of my visits by section.
Egyptian and Oriental Antiquities includes everything of mention, from sculptures and pottery to tapestries and even clothing as well as some surviving drawings some of these objects dating back to 4000BC. You can wander amongst the history of the Pharaohs and the dynasties of lands far off and filled with strange writings. Enjoy the captivating scenes of battle of the shoguns of old or the worship of the Egyptian gods within the art of vases and sculpture sure to stimulate deep emotions. Personally I truly enjoy the hieroglyphics salvaged on the tablets and written upon the Sarcophaguses of the fallen Pharaohs.
The selection of Greek and Roman artifacts abound and have been dated back to at least 3200BC. These artifacts will bring mythology alive within your spirit as well as mind. Be it a vase adorned with images of gods and heroes or a sculpture of a minataur this section is sure to capture the adventurer in each of us. Loving adventure roll playing games I found this section particularly fascinating and could easily have spent several days yet alone hours there.
The sculptures within the museum reflect on the history of France and Italy as well as other countries of Europe from the times of the renaissance and beyond into the middle ages. Included are such wonders as Neptune calming the waters and Diana the huntress amongst the multitude of busts and scenes. These two sculptures stood out to me along with many various ones of other gods and goddesses of mythology.
The objects of art range from tapestries and furniture to some of the richest and rarest treasured jewelry of the world. Perhaps when they said “ Diamonds are a girls Best Friend,” they had the Louvre in mind. It is here that the world’s most beautiful diamond is kept. The Regent weighing in at over 140 carats is sure to captivate every woman who is looking for a “Best Friend.” They say “Diamonds are forever” and this one found in 1698 has no plans on upping and vanishing so it is worth a gander or two but don’t drool too much because like we tell our children you can look but not touch.
The paintings and drawings are world renown. The Louvre is home to the Mona Lisa as well as many other great master pieces. Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael’s masterpieces are all available for viewing and not to worry because unlike the turtles named after them they don’t come with the evil nemesis Shredder. They are but a few of the endless fabulous artist’s whose works you are sure to enjoy. I had to marvel at the huge murals that line the walls and adorned the ceilings of this ancient keep. It is these paintings along with the sculptures and architecture that allows you to truly appreciate that the Louvre itself is one of the best pieces of art preserved within and upon the walls.
The Louvre makes for a must visit on any trip to Paris and the museum is surely worth the price of admission and then some, but since you can, let me tell you how to save some money and make better use of your time none the less. Since you can not take in the entire museum in one day, come after 3 when it costs less for admission, remember too though that anyone under 18 can get in free anytime. If you really want a whole day within the walls go on Sunday when the fee is reduced all day or better yet the first Sunday of the month when admission is free. Remember though free usually means larger crowds. Personally, I would rather have two to three late afternoons after shopping and a nice leisurely lunch than to have to bother with a crowd.
Plan ahead to spend time here and either bring high speed film since flash photography is a “no no” since it can deteriorate some of the paintings or plan to get postcards instead, this would allow you time instead to take in the paintings and such. Remember too the camera can not possibly capture the texture as finely as your eye, you can remember your visit here as well with any image but to really appreciate it you need to see and feel the textures and brush strokes with your eyes.
If you have young kids don’t try to cram it all in one day. Remember to bring them things to keep them occupied. They may not appreciate the fine art as much as you, but geared as an art lesson they are sure to get much more out of a visit. Also bring walking shoes and juices or some other type drinks along with you because after a few hours kids will be pawing you that they are thirsty and that their feet are tired. It can be frustrating chasing down children once they get bored and minding little curious hands in a place where the art cost more than you earn in a lifetime can ruin the experience. Instead try to remember that to a child the day can be endless. And keep in mind while you gawk in amazement at the paintings within these halls that even if they are lined with gold and captured you in their wonder, that a child would much rather be at Euro-Disney or watching the ninja turtles.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
bermudabum
|
|
Member: Dave
Location: Tidewater, VA
Reviews written: 42
Trusted by: 25 members
About Me:
Grab a rum swizzle and hear what this Bermuda*Beach*Bum and single dad has to say.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.