The Louvre, originally the palace of King Philip II of France, reinvented itself as an art museum in 1793. Since then, it has grown in scope & renown & is today the most visited art museum in the world. ” Louvre: 400 Masterpieces”, an accessible book-object in a brand new format, is a unique survey of not only the collections
- filled with such iconic works as the Venus de Milo & the Mona Lisa
- but to the history & artistry of the institution itself. With a foreword by the institution`s director, Henry Loyrette, the book is organized according to the museum`s eight departments: Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan & Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints & Drawings. Each chapter is prefaced with a brief text describing the history of the department & its acquisitions over the centuries. The ninth & final chapter tells the history of this royal
- once imperial
- palace as seen through its architecture. With its appealing square shape, 450 reproductions, never-before-see archival plans & documents & lively essays, ” Louvre: 400 Masterpieces” is the perfect book for museum visitors, art lovers & Francophiles.