The Louvre Museum: Masterpieces and History

The Louvre and Famous Artworks

• Vincenzo Peruggia, a Louvre employee, stole the Mona Lisa in 1911, motivated by nationalism and a desire to return the painting to Italy.
• The background of the Mona Lisa was painted using the sfumato technique, which creates a soft, hazy effect by layering thin glazes of paint.
• Eugene Delacroix painted 'Liberty Leading the People' in 1830, which depicts the July Revolution of 1830, also known as the 'Three Glorious Days'.

The Louvre Pyramid and Expansion

• The Louvre pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei, serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum.
• The pyramid was built as part of the Louvre expansion project initiated by François Mitterrand in 1981, which aimed to modernize and expand the museum.
• Before the project, the Richelieu Wing was initially intended as a ministry office, but it was later converted into a part of the Louvre Museum.
• The Louvre expansion project added over 230,000 square feet of exhibition space, increasing the museum's capacity to display its vast collection of over 550,000 artworks.
• Critics initially criticized the Louvre pyramid as being out of place among the historic buildings of the Louvre, but it has since become a recognizable Parisian landmark.

Artworks and Techniques

• Sfumato, an Italian painting technique used in the Mona Lisa, creates a soft, hazy effect by layering thin glazes of paint.
• The Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile is believed to be a sign of happiness and mystery, with some interpreting it as a sign of seductiveness.
• In 'Liberty Leading the People', the female figure personifies the French Republic, symbolizing the spirit of the French Revolution.

Historical Context

• The July Revolution of 1830, also known as the 'Three Glorious Days', was a pivotal event in French history that led to the abdication of King Charles X and the rise of King Louis Philippe.