Louvre: 400 Masterpieces - Hardcover

Soulie, Daniel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 081097116X ISBN 13: 9780810971165

Publisher: Abrams, 2008

Synopsis

Since first opening its doors in 1793, the Louvre has become one of the largest and most famous museums in the world and, with 8.3 million visitors per year, it is also the most visited. Louvre: 400 Masterpieces showcases a selection of works from this great institution, from the most famous―the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa―to lesser-known gems. With a foreword by the institution’s director, Henri Loyrette, the book is organized according to the museum’s eight departments: Near Eastern Antiquities; Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; Paintings; and Prints and Drawings. The ninth and final chapter tells the history of this one time imperial palace as seen through its architecture. With its appealing format and carefully selected images, many newly photographed, Louvre: 400 Masterpieces is the perfect book for museum visitors, art lovers, and Francophiles.

About this title

Synopsis:

The Louvre, originally the palace of King Philip II of France, reinvented itself as an art museum in 1793. Since then, it has grown in scope and renown and is today the most visited art museum in the world. "Louvre: 400 Masterpieces", an accessible book-object in a brand new format, is a unique survey of not only the collections - filled with such iconic works as the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa - but to the history and artistry of the institution itself. With a foreword by the institution's director, Henry Loyrette, the book is organized according to the museum's eight departments: Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings. Each chapter is prefaced with a brief text describing the history of the department and its acquisitions over the centuries. The ninth and final chapter tells the history of this royal - once imperial - palace as seen through its architecture.With its appealing square shape, 450 reproductions, never-before-see archival plans and documents and lively essays, "Louvre: 400 Masterpieces" is the perfect book for museum visitors, art lovers and Francophiles.

About the Author:

Daniel Soulie studied Egyptology and worked on a few projects in Sinai. He has worked at the Louvre for now twenty years and wrote several books on the museum, its architecture and collections.

About this edition

• Publisher: Abrams
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 081097116X
• ISBN 13: 9780810971165
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 544