The First Artworks Displayed in the Louvre
The Louvre Museum, one of the most renowned and visited museums in the world, has a storied history dating back to the late 18th century. Originally a fortress and later a royal palace, the Louvre became a public museum during the French Revolution, opening its doors on August 10, 1793. But what were some of the first artworks displayed when it welcomed visitors for the first time?
The Creation of the Louvre as a Museum
Before it became a museum, the Louvre served as a residence for French kings, housing their grand collections of art. King Francis I, an ardent patron of the arts, was instrumental in acquiring many important works, including the famous “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. Over the centuries, subsequent rulers added to the collection, transforming the Louvre into a treasure trove of artistic heritage.
During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the former royal collections should be accessible to the public, leading to the Louvre’s transformation into a museum. When it officially opened in 1793 as the “Muséum Central des Arts,” it displayed approximately 537 paintings and 184 objects of art, mostly sourced from the royal collection.
The First Official Piece of Art in the Louvre
The first official piece of art in the Louvre’s collection is often considered to be “The Death of Sardanapalus” by Eugène Delacroix, a dramatic and emotional painting that was among the earliest pieces officially acquired by the museum. However, this work was added later in the 19th century.
If we go back to the Louvre’s earliest days, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” was among the first paintings in the museum’s collection. The Mona Lisa had been part of the French royal collection since King Francis I acquired it in the early 16th century. When the Louvre opened its doors to the public, it featured prominently, making it one of the first artworks on display.
Louvre Iconic Artworks in the Inaugural Collection
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa
One of the most celebrated paintings in the Louvre today, the “Mona Lisa” was among the prized artworks in the museum’s initial collection. Acquired by Francis I in the 16th century, this enigmatic portrait of Lisa Gherardini became one of the key pieces symbolizing the grandeur of the museum.
The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese
Measuring a massive 6.77 meters in height and 9.94 meters in width, Veronese’s “The Wedding at Cana” was another striking artwork in the early Louvre collection. Depicting the biblical scene of Jesus turning water into wine, the painting was taken from a Venetian monastery by Napoleon’s forces and placed in the museum.
The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault
Though painted a few decades after the Louvre’s founding, “The Raft of the Medusa” eventually became one of its defining masterpieces. The museum initially focused on classical and Renaissance works, but later incorporated contemporary French art as well.
The Lacoon and His Sons
This dramatic Hellenistic sculpture, depicting a Trojan priest and his sons attacked by sea serpents, was one of the first major classical sculptures exhibited in the Louvre. It was acquired as part of the plunder from Italy during Napoleon’s reign.
The Influence of Napoleon’s Conquests
Napoleon Bonaparte played a crucial role in expanding the Louvre’s collection. Under his rule, many artworks were seized from across Europe, particularly from Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany. The museum was even renamed the “Muséum Napoléon,” and its halls were filled with looted treasures, including works by Raphael, Titian, and Michelangelo. Though many of these pieces were returned to their original countries after Napoleon’s defeat, some remained in the Louvre, enriching its collection.
The Growth of the Collection Over Time
Following the museum’s opening, successive French governments continued to add artworks, including Egyptian antiquities, Islamic art, and more diverse pieces from around the world. The Louvre eventually expanded its scope beyond European art to include works from ancient civilizations, making it one of the most comprehensive museums globally.
The Louvre’s first collection was a testament to the artistic grandeur of France, reflecting centuries of royal patronage and European artistic achievements. Today, with over 35,000 pieces on display, the museum stands as a beacon of cultural history, preserving the legacy of the artworks that once graced its halls when it first opened to the public. From da Vinci to Veronese, the masterpieces that adorned the Louvre in its early days continue to captivate millions of visitors, securing their place in the annals of art history. image/wikipedia
