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The Lourvre, a great
place to spend a week or two, but we only have a few hours today. They have done
some significant reorganization inside. . . much improved displays. |
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This is a model of
what the Louvre looked like when it was a medieval castle, protecting the small Paris
community 600 years ago. This version was torn down because it was too small for the
king's court. |
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Venus de Milo, found
in 1820 on the island of Milo in Greece. Aphrodite is her real name as a Greek
goddess, while we misapply the Roman name Venus (she's not a Roman statue). |
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Winged Victory of
Samothrace (Greece, late 3rd centry, BC). The guide says its forceful stand against
the elements is advanced art, and it was used as the design basis for the Rolls Royce hood
ornament. |
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This painting, one
of the largest in the Louvre, shows Napoleon crowning his queen. Many elements, such
as the Pope's blessing and his Mother's approving attendance, were put in at
Napoleon's command but didn't really occur. |
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Michael (for whom
Leonardo is a favorite historical person) takes a look at the Mona Lisa, which is
protected behind a thick glass wall. You'll have to grab an encyclopedia if you want
a good look at it. |
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A personal favorite,
the lineup of hypocephalli (sp?), with inscriptions from the Book of the Dead, and placed
under the head of Egyptian mummies. You may recognize their similarity to one of
three "Facsimiles." |