Introduction: In the past, museums have been overlooked and not given enough appreciation. Museums display history, thoughts, and experiences through time .In addition, museums help preserve historical heritage. The fact that they are underrated causes people to miss out on previous events that occurred in the past. Recently a plethora of people are visiting museums because they realize the importance of familiarizing themselves with the world’s history and their roots. History can people understand the past, interpret the present, and prepare ourselves for the future. Origin Story of the Louvre: • The Louvre was authorized by King Phillipe-Auguste in 1190. The Louvre was actually designed to be a fortress to protect the French from Viking …show more content…
On the 8th of November 1792, the French Revolutionary government decided to reverse the ‘Grande Galerie’ of the Louvre into a museum of arts which exhibited the royal collection and a wide range of artifacts. History of the Louvre: The history of the Louvre is divided into three main periods; The Medieval Period, The Renaissance Period and finally the “Classical” Period. 1. The Louvre During the Medieval Period: • In the year 1190, King Philippe Auguste built an immense fortress, which in our current-day is the location of the great Louvre. The fortress was deliberately constructed in the location it is due to the fact that it is around four big moats and towers, which are used for defensive purposes. The lower levels of this fortress are partially visible, where they can be visited today. • From the years 1356-1358, Paris now extended further, past the original defensive wall built around the 12th century. In addition, a new wall was built to act as a defensive barrier, for any future wars, in particular any war against England. On the other hand, the Louvre’s purpose to act as a defensive site, no longer …show more content…
Louis XIV (the 14th) : Louis XIV was the king of France from 1638-1715. He was a Monarch of the Bourbon dynasty. The painting present in the Louvre is a portrait of him wearing Coronation Robes. A French painter Hyacqinthe Rigaud painted his portrait. 3. Mona Lisa: This portrait is by Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the Italian renaissance painters along with Michael Angelo and Raphael. The Mona Lisa was a painted using a variety of oil paints. What makes this painting so unique is the expression that she shows on her face and most of all, her smile. Mona Lisa’s smile was very intriguing amongst the public. Some people interpreted her smiling cheerfully, and others thought she was frowning. 4. Liberty Leading the People: This painting is commemorating the July revolution, which is one of the French revolutions. The painting is woman holding a tricolor flag, which is currently the French flag, while stepping over dead bodies. A woman holding the flag represents liberty and free will. This painting was painted using oil on a canvas, and painted by Eugène Delacroix. Archaeological
Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, was an absolutist monarch of France who sought to heavily suppress the power of novels while simultaneously promoting the ideals of a “divine right monarchy”. A man notorious for his incredible spending on various personal ventures, such as the extremely costly construction of a new palace at Versailles, Louis XIV was often the subject of criticism and mockery, especially from the nobles who hoped to discredit him and his absolutist regime. Overall, Louis XIV did predominantly act in a manner with his own personal agenda in mind, as seen through his Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, occurring as a result of his desire to have his country fall in line with his own beliefs, his unrelenting expenditures
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The whole structure was built in a hurry, possibly in an effort to solidify the conquest. It is not nearly a remarkable an object as the twin churches in Caen. However, due to its protective design, it is an impregnable fortress, and its history as a prison, the tower has carved its place in history. Work on the stone building and exterior walls was begun in 1077. The main building, included a small cathedral in one corner, and rises three stories.
“The Fortress of Louisbourg and Its Cartographic Evidence.” Bulletin of the Association for Preservation Technology 4, no. 1/2 (1972): 3-40. Accessed 11 November 2013, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1493360.
“Art Museums and the Ritual of Citizenship” by Carol Duncan: A Response to Western Cultural Imperialism and the “Ritual” of Modernity in European/American Museums
When one sees the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral in person or in pictures they are likely to be awestruck. The twin towers of the western façade rise high into the sky, seemingly in an attempt to scrape heaven. Spiky arches seem to grow out of the sides and claw at the ground. Inside it is cavernous with colored light filtering in through the large, intricate stained glass windows. All of these physical qualities make Notre Dame a prime example of Gothic architecture. It does not stand alone in that distinction. One is also likely to see several hundred examples of this style on varying scales throughout Europe. Because, despite its humble origins, Gothic architecture became the standard for religious buildings in the early 11th century thanks to innovative use of new and old design techniques which resulted in majestic buildings that symbolized the builder’s version of heaven.
Paris is the home of Western World cultures and many famous designers and artist even after the end of world war II United States of America even tried to take over the control and leadership of vital art areas France was still determined to keep the records of the past arts as well as the leadership. ...
In Stephen Weil’s essay, he argues “the museum’s role has transformed from one of mastery to one of service” (Weil, 196). According to him, museums have changed their mission from one that cultures the public to one that serves
The “superstar” museum gained this status by considering every important detail during its establishment and initial phases of conversion from royal palace to museum (Gombault, 2002). As the purpose of the building changed, each room addressed new functions with new requirements. Although the function of the Louvre is different from the building’s original intention, the building is still appears dignified and important enough to display priceless artifacts and painting (Steffensen-Bruce, 1998). This consideration was applied in designing the Met. The Met looked towards the South Kensington Museum (Victoria and Albert) and the “ideal role model” due to its extensive collections and international reputation (Heckscher, 1995). The Met found itself in a similar situation to the South Kensington, because it did not have a building or a collection to start with (Heckscher, 1995). When designing museums, architects strived to create monuments that “prepare and educate the mind of the visitor (Steffensen-Bruce, 1998).” Education is an essential function of a museum. Acquiring, preserving, and properly displaying materials, permits a museum to fulfill this duty (Steffensen-Bruce, 1998). For instance, lighting is a factor that affects the manner in which artwork is viewed and can be properly appreciated. When determining the proper lighting for the Louvre, Comte d’Angiviller, strongly believed that natural, overhead lighting was the most effective solution (McClellan, 1994, p. 72). The same determination impacted the decision to add skylights at the Met. During the initial phase, architects Vaux and Mould, added skylights to the upper floor, and windows to the lower floor that provided a natural light solution (Heckscher, 1995). Additionally, glass-roofed courtyards provided “unimpeded light” for displaying
The shift between the Middle Ages and Renaissance was documented in art for future generations. It is because of the changes in art during this time that art historians today understand the historical placement and the socio-economic, political, and religious changes of the time. Art is a visual interpretation of one’s beliefs and way of life; it is through the art from these periods that we today understand exactly what was taking place and why it was happening. These shifts did not happen overnight, but instead changed gradually though years and years of art, and it is through them that we have record of some of the most important changes of historic times.
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Given as a gift by the French people, the Statue of Liberty is a national monument of the U.S. Standing on her pedestal in the New York harbor in Liberty Island. At first, she was just a thought by a French sculptor, who was visiting New York, he thought of this as a place for liberty and justice. Then, a few years later, the major project between the two countries began. The French shall build the sculpture, while us American’s built the pedestal. This agreement started it all.
...survived public lashings and invasions since its erection in 1889. Even though some thought it would detract from the gloriousness of Paris, it brought in millions upon millions of people from every nation who had the desire to see the breath taking monument that is the Eiffel Tower. Thousands, if not millions, spend their lives dreaming and wishing they can one day visit the Tower, jars are labeled ‘Eiffel Tower Fund’ and spend years filling up. The Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris, has brought delight and bliss to many with its income and the addition to science around the world.