This is a view of the inverted underground pyramid just outside one of the entrances to the Louvre. Those of you who have read the DaVinci code (or have seen the movie), will recognizing this is the burial site of the Holy Grail. Right!
Much to note in this picture. I was amazed to find an Apple store right outside the entrance to the Louvre. If you look just to the right of the pyramid at its base you will note the twins standing side by side in blue jeans and blue shirts with their backs to the pyramid. Throughout much of this trip, they have chosen to dress alike. Precious. You can see me with my back to the camera just to the left of the pyramid walking toward them.
The Rick Steves' Paris guide recommended that if we wanted to be able to get near enough to see the Mona Lisa that we head directly for Salon 6 as soon as the Museum opened. We did, and were fortunate to be able to see her without the massing crowds. We shared the experience with about 10 other people who also knew what to do.
To have such a massive reputation, the Mona Lisa is actually a small painting.
As you can see from this picture, approximately the size of my head.
So happy to share this with Jordan, and to be able to get pictures with Mona. Had we waited to see her, we would never have managed to get these kinds of shots.
As much as I have teased about Carl's anal retentiveness in planning this trip, moments like these make me truly grateful for the long hours he put in planning our itinerary.
When we passed this room later, you could not even get into the door.
The Winged Victory
One of the most amazing aspects of the Louvre is that suddenly you will turn a corner or look up and you will see a painting or a sculpture that you first encountered in a humanities class in high school--and there it is in all its glory. This was the first of those experiences. Thank you Jenny Johnson!
Boar's Head Column Capital
Michelangelo's Dying Slave
Staircase Detail in the Louvre
The ceilings in the Louvre rival the art hanging on its walls as masterworks of art.
St. George and a Slain Dragon? Probably not, since this is a Greek statue. Amazing, nevertheless.
Friezes always amaze me. I cannot imagine how anyone could manage such intricate carving on such a grand scale.
Venus de Milo
Enough said.
The sheer size of these sculptures is awe inspiring.
I first encountered columns carved as female figures in a high school humanities class.
They are impressive. No two alike.
The Three Graces
Duck choking was evidently a popular sport among Greek toddlers.
We encountered this image fairly frequently in the Greek statuary.
Angel Dive-Bombing Mary
An interesting take on "The Annunciation"
Head, Anyone?
Fascinating attempt at 3 dimensional work. This canvas was mounted in the center of the room so that you could see that it was painted on both sides--in reverse.
Painter Painting a Painting of a Painting
One of four artists we saw working on reproductions in the Louvre.
The earlobe she was working on was clearly too large.
Detail of a Mosaic Border in the Palace
We simply have too many pictures from the Louvre to post all at once. I'll try to put together another installment later today.
Love this blog Jay - your snarky and loving tone is much appreciated. Great pic of you and Mona. Tell Carl that I am the trip planner in this family, that I know the hours of planning are almost as fun as the trip and that they *are* worth it.
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