Louvre Blog

David and Goliath

Daniele da Volterra (1509-1566) was a friend of Michelangelo and was said to use his style as inspiration for his personal paintings. This unique use of space to creates a 3D effect of a painting showing both sides of the same scene. The biblical reference to the battle of David and Goliath is being shown after David slings his rocks and is about to behead the giant. This painting was a personal favorite for two elements that it illustrates: the use of space and color. The 3D effect that this painting illustrates by showing two sides of the story is fascinating to me because it isn't a method that is common.  It gives two pictures displaying the same scene, such different depths, by emphasizing some elements on one painting and shadowing others on the reverse. Also the vibrancy and emotion painted on David's and Goliath's images is so alluring, it drew me back to the painting twice. The story in the bible is one of my favorites and this painting just amplified my appreciation of that moment in history.

Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519), notably one of the greatest painters of all time, is most known for his painting Mona Lisa. The most famous woman in the world is displayed in a a composition that is so realistic, that (for the time period) was beyond belief to be achievable. It is thought to be a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, with there being no real importance to who the woman in the painting was and more so how the portrait itself was painted. It is custom that when visiting the Louvre to go see the Mona Lisa, even if that is the only thing that is seen. I am one of the masses of people that had to fight my way forward to have a look at the original painting. And that was an experience that will last a lifetime, because the portrait really does give off this life-like illusion that even behind a glass case can be seen.

The Wedding Feast at Cana

Personally this painting is my favorite of any that I did get a chance to see at the Louvre. The Wedding Feat at Cana, Galilee is where Jesus performed his first monumental miracle of turning water into wine. Paolo Veronese (1528-1588) illustrated the feast of many will accomplishing the task of emphasizing the main figure, Jesus. His use of light and shadows was excellent, because when looking at Jesus he is portrayed with a halo of light. His use of vibrant colors matches the story of celebration without the colors overpowering the painting.