Louvre Museum Paintings

About Louvre Museum Paintings

The Louvre Museum Paintings are the most iconic paintings known to mankind and produced by the most brilliant artists of all times. These paintings showcase the unmatched artistic skills possessed by the legendary sculptors and painters of the mediaeval and Renaissance era. The mesmerising 5,500 paintings in the Louvre are masterpieces created by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Most of the Louvre Museum's famous paintings date back to the period between the 13th and the 19th centuries. These paintings are beautifully displayed in the different rooms of the museum.

The Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre Museum happens to be the most famous and the most expensive of all. The other Louvre Museum best paintings include The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David, The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese, The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault, and Death of the Virgin by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.


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Louvre Paintings

Mona Lisa

As is known to all, the brilliant Mona Lisa is an iconic work and one of the Louvre Museum's best paintings. The sitter in this picture is Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo.Well, ever wondered why is the Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre Museum so famous all over the world? Might be, because it is the work of the genius da Vinci. Or because it has been referenced so many times. Or maybe because it was stolen in the past and made headlines in the newspaper. Or because the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud inferred that her smile is that of a mother, which reminds of infancy? Well, the reason is all the facts, combined.

Artist: Leonardo da VinciYear: 1503-1505Location: Denon Wing, Room 711

The Raft of Medusa

The Raft of the Medusa is one of the most famous paintings in the Louvre Museum. This painting showcases a dramatic scene, where a French ship has been wrecked. This is a real-life shipwreck incident, which had left the public in a state of shock. A total of 150 people fought for their lives on a raft for 13 long days, suffering from starvation, thirst, and diseases. At the end, only 15 people could survive the wreck and return to their families.

Artist: Théodore Géricault Year: 1819Location: Dept of Paintings, Mollien Room 700

The Wedding at Cana

It was in Cana, in Galilee that Jesus performed the first miracle of his life. Jesus and Mary went there to attend a wedding. Right there, in front of the crowd, Jesus transforms water into wine. The legendary painter Veronese represented this biblical scene in his painting with his own artistic freedom. The painting has a crowd of a total of 132 characters including Venetian aristocrats dressed up in 16th century attires. The colours used in this painting are made of expensive pigments that were imported from the East.

Artist: Paolo VeroneseYear: 1563 Location: Dept. of Paintings

Liberty Leading the People

This iconic 260 cm tall oil painting showcases the downfall of King Charles X and the liberty received by the people thereafter. Here, liberty is personified and represented through the woman with a cap, who is holding a musket on one hand and the French flag on the other. You can see the woman is leading the gang of people with arms.

Artist: Eugène DelacroixYear: 1831Location: Room 700, Denon Wing, Level 1

Triumph of the Virtues

‘Triumph of the Virtues’ is one of the Louvre Museum's famous paintings of the Renaissance era. Also known as “Minerva Expelling the Vices from the Garden of Virtue”, this painting was commissioned by Isabella d'Este, an Italian noblewoman. Minerva happens to be the Roman Goddess of Wisdom. This painting showcases Minerva warding off the vices and protecting the Goddess of Chastity, Diana.

Artist: Andrea MantegnaYear: 1500-1502Location: Dept of Paintings, Room 371

Death of the Virgin

The ‘Death of the Virgin’ is one of the best Biblical Louvre Museum Paintings. This 369 cm tall oil painting showcases the death of the Virgin Mary. The Apostles and Mary Magdalene are seen grieving the death. It is believed that this painting was condemned by the church for representing Virgin Mary as a common woman. This painting is made in the impressive baroque style.

Artist: Michelangelo Merisi da CaravaggioYear: 1601-1606Location: Denon Wing, Room 710

David with the Head of Goliath

‘David with the Head of Goliath’ is one of the most unique Louvre Museum Paintings. The uniqueness of this painting lies in its perfect blend of Baroque and Renaissance styles of art. This 22 cm tall oil painting showcases the Biblical story of David and Goliath. David is represented as a fair and handsome man, dressed in a colourful garb and red hat. The head of Goliath has long hair and beard.

Artist: Guido ReniYear: 1606Location: Grande Galerie

The Coronation of Napoleon

Many art buffs consider ‘The Coronation of Napoleon’ to be one of the Louvre Museum's best paintings. In 1804, Napoleon was consecrated as the Emperor of France by the pope. He was crowned along with his wife, Empress Joséphine. In order to capture this historic moment, Napoleon hired the legendary painter Jacques-Louis David. The painter attended the event and then produced this brilliant monumental work. He recreated the whole scene with the help of wax and cardboard figures.

Artist: Jacques-Louis DavidYear: 1807Location: Dept. of Paintings, Daru Room 702


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Dante and Virgil in Hell

Also known as “The Barque of Dante”, this painting showcases instances from ‘Divine Comedy’, a famous piece of work by the legendary Italian poet Dante. Hence, this piece is considered to be one of the Louvre Museum's famous paintings. This painting was Eugène’s first big painting and was exhibited in the Paris Salon in 1822. In 1822, the painting was sold to a museum and in 1874, it was shifted to the Louvre.

Artist: Eugène DelacroixYear: 1822Location: Room 700, Denon Wing, Level 1

The Battle between Love and Chastity

One of the best Louvre Museum Paintings of the Renaissance era, this work was commissioned by Isabella d'Este. Here, love and chastity are personified and the painting represents a battle between both. This painting was condemned by some for not being created in the style of the famous Renaissance painter, Andrea Mantegna. However, this painting also received a lot of appreciation for depicting the moral values visualised in the Renaissance era.

Artist: Pietro PeruginoYear: 1505Location: Department of Paintings


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The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne

Yet another striking work by da Vinci, this is again one of the Louvre Museum famous paintings. This painting was commissioned by King Louis XII, but couldn’t be delivered to him as it could never be completed. This biblical painting represents Saint Anne with Virgin Mary, and baby Jesus. In this huge painting, the positions of the figures are very appealing. The dreamy landscape in the backdrop holds an untold softness and makes for a sight to behold.

Artist: Leonardo da VinciYear: 1503-1519Location: Denon Wing, Grand Galeriè

The Pastoral Concert

One of the most beautiful and the Louvre Museum's best paintings, ‘The Pastoral Concert’ is known to feature Venetian characteristics and represent the refugees of a war in Italy. Three young men are playing the musical instruments, while two naked women are accompanying them. The uniqueness of this painting lies in its naturalistic way of presentation and striking colour palette.

Artist: TitianYear: 1509Location: Denon Wing, Room 711


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The Rape of the Sabine Woman

One of the famous paintings in Louvre Museum, ‘The Rape of the Sabine Woman’ is also known as “The Intervention of the Sabine Women”. It is made on oil canvas and represents an instance from Roman mythology. The Romans invited the sabine women for a feast, but during the event, the Roman men raped them. This painting showcases the cruelty done by Romans when they had the power to capture other cultures.

Artist: Nicolas PoussinYear: 1633–34Location: Richelieu Wing, Room 828

St. Francis of Assisi Receiving Stigmata

The list of Louvre Museum best paintings will remain incomplete, if ‘St. Francis of Assisi Receiving Stigmata’ isn’t discussed. Representing an instance from the life of St. Francis, this 314 cm tall painting was made for Pisa’s Church of Saint Francis. The painting is made in the Byzantine style and features a golden panel. The most noteworthy element of this painting is its characters’ lack of emotion. Although originally owned by the church, the painting was later looted by Napoleon and brought to France.

Artist: Giotto di BondoneYear: 1295 -30Location: Denon Wing, Room 708

FAQs

Are the Louvre paintings worth a visit?

Yes, the Louvre Museum paintings are totally worth a visit. They showcase many different instances from the history and mythology of ancient Europe. These paintings exhibit the unique art styles of the various iconic Renaissance artists.

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What are the most famous Louvre paintings?

All the artworks displayed in the Louvre are innovative and popular across the globe. Some of the most famous paintings in Louvre Museum include the Mona Lisa, The Rape of the Sabine Woman, The Death of the Virgin, The Coronation of Napoleon, The Raft of Medusa, and The Wedding at Cana.

How many Louvre paintings are on display at the museum?

A total of 5,500 paintings are displayed in the Louvre Museum. All the Louvre Museum paintings are arranged beautifully in the different rooms of the building. Visitors can take a walk through the trails of the museum and see the paintings.

Can I see the Louvre paintings?

Yes, visitors can see the iconic Louvre Museum paintings. They can walk through the trails of the museum and take time to thoroughly see and understand the paintings.

Which is the most expensive Louvre painting?

The Mona Lisa painting in the Louvre Museum happens to be the most expensive one in the whole museum. In the year 2020, this painting was valued at around $860 million.

How old are the Louvre paintings?

The Louvre Museum paintings date back even earlier than the 14th century. Most of the paintings exhibited in the museum were produced some time between the 13th and the 19th centuries.

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