Lecture Notes: Exploring the Louvre and French History

Introduction

• Presenter: Andrew Hy, Dean of the University of London Institute in Paris
• Connection to Paris: Long-standing personal and professional ties
• Focus: Changing perceptions of the Louvre, exploring its history and art

The Louvre's Transformation

• Historical Evolution:
  • Originally a medieval fortress
  • Transformed into a royal palace
  • Currently a modern-day museum
• Art Collection: Over 35,000 pieces

Key Artworks and Historical Context

Medieval and Renaissance Art

• La Crucifixion: Depicts historical and religious figures, provides insight into medieval Paris
• Francis I: Renaissance king who transformed the Louvre from a fortress to a cultural hub
• Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa:
  • First work of art in the French royal collection
  • Notable for its innovative engagement with the viewer

Baroque to Enlightenment

• Peter Paul Rubens: Created politically charged artwork for Marie de' Medici
• Louis XIV: Expanded the Louvre, emphasized grandeur and luxury
• Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin: Known for his still lifes that captivated Enlightenment figures like Diderot

Neoclassicism and Revolution

• Jacques-Louis David: Revolutionary art that aligned with political changes
• Establishment of the Louvre as a museum: In 1793, art was nationalized for public display

19th Century and Romanticism

• The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault: Represents human suffering, political allegories
• Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix: Iconic portrayal of the July Revolution of 1830

19th Century Political and Cultural Changes

• Napoleon Bonaparte:
  • Transformed the Louvre into a museum for self-promotion
  • Commissioned grand art, including David’s Coronation of Napoleon
• Restoration Period: Art repatriation, introduction of Egyptian artifacts

20th Century to Present

• Cultural Diplomacy: Loaning of artworks like the Mona Lisa to international exhibitions
• Modernization Efforts: The Grand Louvre Project and the glass pyramid
• Expansion of Galleries: New Islamic Art galleries, showcasing cultural diversity

Conclusion

• Cultural Legacy: The Louvre as a symbol of French history, power, and artistic achievement
• Personal Reflection: The Louvre embodies French "grandeur"—power, splendor, and beauty

Key Themes

• Historical Transformation: From fortress to museum
• Art as a Reflection of Political Change: Art movements and collections mirroring France’s political shifts
• Cultural Diplomacy: Art as a tool for international influence and internal unity

Important Figures

• Leonardo da Vinci
• Francis I
• Louis XIV
• Napoleon Bonaparte
• Jacques-Louis David
• Eugène Delacroix
• Théodore Géricault
• Jean-François Champollion (for Egyptian artifacts)