Everyone comes to the Louvre for the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa, but this vast museum is a treasure trove of art with countless masterpieces that deserve your attention. While you'll absolutely want to see Leonardo da Vinci's iconic portrait, we've curated a list of five other incredible artworks that will make your visit unforgettable.
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The Winged Victory of Samothrace: Perched majestically at the top of a grand staircase, this Hellenistic sculpture of the Greek goddess Nike is a breathtaking sight. The powerful, forward-surging figure, with her drapery seemingly whipped by the wind, exudes a sense of dynamic movement and triumph. Its missing head and arms only add to its dramatic and timeless beauty, inviting you to imagine the full grandeur of the statue.
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Venus de Milo: This famous ancient Greek statue, believed to depict the goddess Aphrodite, is celebrated for its graceful curves and serene expression. The mystery of her missing arms has captivated art lovers for centuries, sparking endless debates about her original posture and what she might have been holding. Her timeless beauty and the perfect balance of her form make her a quintessential representation of classical art.
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The Coronation of Napoleon: Step into a moment of history with this monumental painting by Jacques-Louis David. Spanning an impressive 20 feet wide, the canvas depicts the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte in Notre-Dame Cathedral. The sheer scale and detail of the work are astounding, capturing the elaborate ceremony, the opulent costumes, and the powerful figures of the day. It's a vivid snapshot of political power and theatrical grandeur.
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Liberty Leading the People: A symbol of French republicanism, Eugène Delacroix's painting is a powerful and emotional depiction of the July Revolution of 1830. A bare-breasted personification of Liberty, holding the tricolor flag, leads a charge of revolutionaries over barricades and fallen bodies. It’s a stirring image of defiance and hope, and a cornerstone of Romantic painting that continues to inspire.
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Hammurabi's Code: Take a journey back in time to ancient Mesopotamia with this well-preserved Babylonian law code. Engraved on a large stone stele, the code is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world. Seeing it in person offers a tangible connection to the origins of legal systems and social order, a fascinating contrast to the paintings and sculptures that surround it.