Louvre Museum Exhibits

Due to all the hype over the DA VINCI CODE, my first stop was the Mona Lisa.  I was concerned about a long wait to see the painting, but it was really not too bad.  I made my way up to the front of the crowd and took a close look at the world's most famous painting.  They do not allow photography in this room as they don't in most all of the painting rooms.  Somehow, my camera when off when I was exiting the room.  The painting is over 500 years old and hangs on a large wall behind bullet-proof glass.  It was stolen in 1911 and vandalized in 1956.  (Click on the photo for a close up of Mona Lisa.)

I continued my journey through the Italian paintings on a quest for a painting by Giovanni Pannini.  The replica hangs in my living room.  My first hand view of Pannini's work was the wall and ceiling paintings at the hotel Villa Groazioli that I stayed at in Rome, Italy during a 2005 visit.

The original "Vedute di Roma Antica" is about twice the size of mine.

Victory of Samothrace (a.k.a. Winged Victory) was another museum highlight with a circa of 190 B.C.

Almost as old with a circa of 100 B.C., the Venus de Milo is one of the most famous marble sculptures in the world.   I found more of a crowd here than at the Mona Lisa.  I guess because photography was allowed here, everyone wanted their chance to pose with the armless beauty.

I also enjoyed the Egyptian antiquities that covered a large portion of the museum.  Unfortunately, many of the pieces showed extensive damage.  I had heard that the British Museum got the best pieces of the collection.  I would have to confirm that.

Another highlight was Napoleon III's Apartments.  Several rooms were furnished from floor to ceiling with many rich and eye sparkling jewels.  This is the Reading Room.

Napoleon III's Dinning Room.  I counted seating for 45.  Wouldn't that be nice!  (Click on the photo for a close up of this room.)