20 Iconic Must-See Paintings at The Louvre
The Louvre houses approximately 7,500 paintings. This vast collection spans from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, with works representing a wide range of cultures and styles, making it one of the most comprehensive art collections in the world. Most of the paintings are European, particularly French, Italian, and Dutch masterpieces. Here is our list of 20 must-see paintings which stand out because they are iconic, famous, and historically significant paintings spanning several centuries.
1. Mona Lisa
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Date: 1503–1506
Style: Renaissance
Description: Perhaps the most famous painting in the world, the "Mona Lisa" captivates with her enigmatic smile and the illusionistic depth of the background. The painting is renowned for its subtle use of sfumato, where tones and colors shade into one another.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 711
2. The Wedding at Cana
Artist: Paolo Veronese
Date: 1563
Style: Venetian Renaissance
Description: This massive work depicts the biblical scene of Christ’s first miracle, turning water into wine. The vibrant colors, dynamic composition, and grand scale make it a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 711
3. The Coronation of Napoleon
Artist: Jacques-Louis David
Date: 1805–1807
Style: Neoclassicism
Description: Depicting the grand coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, this painting showcases the rise of the French Empire. The composition focuses on Napoleon crowning himself, a symbol of his self-made power.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 702
4. Liberty Leading the People
Artist: Eugène Delacroix
Date: 1830
Style: Romanticism
Description: A powerful symbol of the French Revolution, Delacroix's painting allegorizes liberty as a woman leading the charge with the French flag. The dramatic composition and the use of light emphasize the emotion and chaos of the revolution.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 700
5. The Lacemaker
Artist: Johannes Vermeer
Date: 1669–1670
Style: Dutch Golden Age
Description: This intimate painting by Vermeer shows a young woman concentrating on her work, reflecting the domestic tranquility and meticulous detail characteristic of his style.
Location: Richelieu Wing, Room 837
6. The Oath of the Horatii
Artist: Jacques-Louis David
Date: 1784
Style: Neoclassicism
Description: This painting illustrates a scene from Roman history, where three brothers swear an oath to defend Rome. The powerful composition and sharp lines emphasize loyalty and sacrifice, key ideals of the Neoclassical movement.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 702
7. The Raft of the Medusa
Artist: Théodore Géricault
Date: 1818–1819
Style: Romanticism
Description: Géricault’s massive canvas captures the desperation and horror of a shipwreck, with the survivors on a makeshift raft. The piece is noted for its emotional intensity and realism.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 700
8. The Death of a Virgin
Artist: Caravaggio
Date: 1601–1606
Style: Baroque
Description: Caravaggio’s dramatic use of chiaroscuro is evident in this somber depiction of the Virgin Mary's death, which was controversial for its unidealized portrayal.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 712
9. The Fortune Teller
Artist: Georges de La Tour
Date: 1630s
Style: Baroque
Description: This work presents a scene where a fortune teller deceives a young man, capturing a moment of tension and intrigue. De La Tour’s style is noted for its use of strong light and shadow contrasts.
Location: Sully Wing, Room 935
10. The Battle of San Romano
Artist: Paolo Uccello
Date: 1435–1440
Style: Early Renaissance
Description: Depicting a Florentine victory, Uccello’s painting is filled with dynamic figures and the early use of linear perspective, demonstrating a transitional moment in art history.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 711
11. Madonna of the Rocks
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Date: 1483–1486
Style: High Renaissance
Description: This altarpiece features the Virgin Mary, Christ Child, and John the Baptist in a mysterious, rocky landscape, emphasizing Da Vinci’s skill in creating atmospheric depth.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 711
12. Venus of Urbino
Artist: Titian
Date: 1534
Style: High Renaissance
Description: A sensual portrayal of a reclining nude woman, this painting is considered one of the masterpieces of Renaissance art, renowned for its use of color and form.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 718
13. Gabrielle d'Estrées and One of Her Sisters
Artist: Unknown French School
Date: 1594
Style: Mannerism
Description: A provocative portrait that shows Gabrielle d'Estrées, the mistress of King Henry IV of France, in a candid moment. The painting is notable for its intimate depiction and has sparked much interpretation.
Location: Sully Wing, Room 826
14. The Turkish Bath
Artist: Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
Date: 1862
Style: Neoclassicism with Orientalist influence
Description: A romanticized and idealized vision of an Eastern harem, Ingres’ circular composition and smooth textures offer a luxurious and intimate view of women in repose.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 703
15. The Valpinçon Bather
Artist: Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
Date: 1808
Style: Neoclassicism
Description: This painting, featuring a woman from behind as she bathes, showcases Ingres’ focus on the idealization of the human form and his mastery of line.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 703
16. The Shipwreck of Don Juan
Artist: Eugène Delacroix
Date: 1840
Style: Romanticism
Description: Delacroix captures a stormy, emotional scene of a shipwreck, drawing on Byron’s famous poem “Don Juan.” The swirling forms and vivid colors emphasize the chaos and drama of nature.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 700
17. Madonna with the Green Cushion
Artist: Andrea Solari
Date: 1507
Style: High Renaissance
Description: A delicate portrayal of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, this painting is known for its softness of form and rich colors.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 712
18. The Card Sharp with the Ace of Diamonds
Artist: Georges de La Tour
Date: 1635–1640
Style: Baroque
Description: A scene of card-playing deception, this work is celebrated for its vivid characterization and sharp contrasts of light and shadow.
Location: Sully Wing, Room 935
19. Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione
Artist: Raphael
Date: 1514–1515
Style: High Renaissance
Description: This intimate portrait of Raphael’s close friend is marked by the softness of the brushwork and the subject’s expressive face, making it a defining work in portraiture.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 711
20. The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Date: 1503–1519
Style: High Renaissance
Description: An unfinished masterpiece, this painting shows the Virgin, her mother, and the infant Christ in a tender, dynamic composition. The pyramidal structure is a hallmark of Da Vinci’s genius.
Location: Denon Wing, Room 711
These works are spread across several wings of The Louvre, making them an excellent guide for anyone exploring its vast collections.
For more information on visiting the Louvre, visit Trip.com.
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