Famous Louvre Paintings You Shouldn’t Miss When Visiting The Paris Museum

What comes to mind when you read or hear the word “Louvre Museum” in news articles or conversations? 

Let me guess: the home of the Mona Lisa? Perhaps a sophisticated place where thousands of famous artworks have been stored for decades. 

The Louvre Museum, in Paris, is the largest art museum in the world, with a collection of over 5,500 artworks.

For an art lover like me, it’s a dream to visit this most-visited museum and gaze at the finest artworks mounted on its walls. 

You know that a day or two would never be enough to see these Louvre paintings. 

According to Dreams in Paris, a visitor would need 200 days to explore each room of the Paris museum if he/she spent 30 seconds on each Louvre artwork.

If you’re touring Paris or have bought a ticket to the Paris Museum, make sure you see these paintings in the Louvre first. 

For just EUR17, you’re going to give your eyes a treat. 

I’m assuming you’ve purchased a EUR17 ticket and have limited time to explore the rooms of the Paris Museum, which is why I recommend spending time seeing these famous Louvre paintings first. 

As you know what this blog is about, let’s jump right in and know what paintings are in the Louvre.

1. Mona Lisa

The No. 1 reason why most art lovers visit the Louvre Museum is to see the stunning art piece, the Mona Lisa. 

Leonardo’s half-length masterpiece has been the most viewed, most talked about, and most written about painting in the history of art.

However, the topic of debate always revolves around the identity of the subject. It was believed that the subject was to be the wife of Francesco del Giocondo.

The subject’s enigmatic expression drew a lot of attention, and it’s still a topic of discussion to this day. 

The Mona Lisa painting is one of the most expensive paintings of all time, which is why it’s being placed inside a protective glass case on level 1 of the Denon Wing, Louvre Museum. 

Another reason why this famous Louvre painting is kept away from visitors is its proneness to damage, as it was created on poplar wood rather than oil canvas, which has warped over time. 

Despite being stolen or distorted in the past, you can have a close look at the Mona Lisa, one of the most-viewed paintings in the Louvre.

Check out our Da Vinci Replica painting gallery if you wish to have one of his masterpieces handpainted just for you!

2. The Raft of the Medusa

Besides the Mona Lisa, what other paintings are in the Louvre?

There are countless well-known paintings; the first well-known art in the Louvre after the Mona Lisa is The Raft of the Medusa. 

The Raft of the Medusa didn’t perform at any of its exhibitions until 1824, when the Louvre Museum acquired it just after the painter’s death. 

The over-life-size Louvre painting depicts horrifying scenes from the aftermath of the wreck of a French naval ship.

It’s a realistic painting that displays hunger, disparity, and survival of the highest order.

If you want to learn about the French Naval officer’s incompetence, the frigate Medusa, and his abandonment of 147 people, 15 of whom survived, you should see this famous Louvre painting.

Gerault’s artwork depicts the horrifying scenes of the event, and it is still regarded as the most important artwork of French Romanticism.

3. Liberty Leading the People

The Louvre Museum acquired the painting in 1874, after it was displayed in Luxembourg. 

It depicts scenes from the July Revolution of 1830, when Charles X was abducted from the throne. 

Liberty Leading the People was created when its artist was serving as the leader of the Romantic school (French painting).

And the reason for creating this painting is to vividly depict the scene. The artist Eugene painted it when he got inspired by the lady, who was holding a tri-color, protesting against Charles X’s supporters. 

This Louvre art piece depicts a half-naked woman waving a tri-color flag—which later became France’s national flag. 

Liberty Leading the People was one of the most-viewed paintings in the Louvre, and you can see it in Gallery 77 on the first floor of the Denon Wing, where it is located.

Enhace your knowledge about the painting in dept by reading Liberty Leading the People.

Also Read: History of Painting: Evolution Of The Greatest Form Of Art

4. The Coronation of Napoleon

The Coronation of Napoleon, one of the largest Louvre Museum paintings, has been in its collection for years now. 

This painting from the Louvre is mounted on the wall of Room 75 on the second floor, Denon Wing, in the Paris Museum.

Out of all Napoleon’s paintings in the Louvre, this has received the most attention. 

If you want to know how coronations take place and how a painter can recreate the scene, then this painting is a must-watch. 

Undoubtedly, this is the best art at the Louvre because it shows the details of the event. That includes Napoleon, dressed in coronation robes, in a standing position, and his wife is shown receiving the crown from the hands of her husband. 

This real-life event occurred in the cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. 

The artist, Jacques, beautifully recreated the moment on canvas, which was commissioned by Napoleon himself.

5. The Virgin of the Rocks

The Louvre Museum holds tons of Da Vinci paintings, one of which is The Virgins of the Rocks. 

This best painting in the Louvre has two versions, created in different time frames but with the same subjects. 

The artist depicted three characters, including Mary, Child Jesus, and John the Baptist. It displayed a non-biblical event, showing all the figures in a rock setting.

Its highlighting compositions are floral, colors, lights, and subject movement, which sprout a new perspective every time you see them. 

If you’re interested in knowing more about da Vinci’s style, perspectives, and fondness for art, you must visit the Louvre Museum. 

One of the reasons to visit the Louvre Museum is to see this painting closely and identify whether it’s the one made in 1486. 

Because some critics and researchers think that it was sold to the London Museum by the artist himself.

 

6. Oath of The Horatii

David’s Oath of the Horatii does have an interesting background. However, its subjects have always remained a subject of discussion. 

He created it in a neoclassical art style, highlighting the sacrifice of men. 

With a patriotic theme, the painting depicts one of the scenarios from the 17th century, a dispute between Rome and Alba Longa. 

This top Louvre artwork depicts characters from the Roman Horatius family.

It’s basically about the family of triplet warriors, who lived during the reign of Tullus Hostilius.

It shows three brothers on the left and the Horatii father in the center. They are swearing on their swords before taking the oath. 

On the right, one of the ladies in black is the wife, and the others are his daughters, hiding their faces.

The Oath of the Horatti was first displayed in Rome, where it received immeasurable love and support from art appreciators and fellow painters.

7. The Card Sharp with the Ace of Diamonds

The Card Sharp with the Ace of Diamonds was created in 1638 and now hangs on the wall of the Louvre Museum, in Paris.

This is one of the famous paintings in the Louvre that belonged to the then-popular moralizing genre (in which gambling plays a prominent role).

There are four people around a table where a man is shown shocked and perplexed as he is being fooled by other people. 

The man is looking at his cards, whereas the woman in a deep neck dress is a prostitute who has already conspired to manipulate and loot the young man.

On the left, a man with an ace of hearts in his right hand appears with a poker face. 

He seems to be a part of a conspiracy initiated with two other folks, including a woman who is serving wine to a prostitute, who is always involved in bad deeds, and is about to receive information from her that determines the outcome of the game. 

If you get hooked by stories of manipulation, conspiracy, and thrills, then you’ll love to witness this Louvre painting. 

The Louvre painter conveyed a message about how greed can destroy your life. And how can one put themselves in a vulnerable position if they’re surrounded by swindlers.

The Louvre painting gained attention from all over the world, but it was one of the most-celebrated artworks of the 17th century.

8. The Death of Sardanapalus

We all know that The Death of Sardanapalus is based on the real-life story of Sardanapalus. 

Who’s he? Sardanapalus was the last king of Assyria, led the largest empire in the world, and was the most highly qualified and strategic ruler produced at the time. 

The artist was thrilled with the facts and stories of Sardanapalus. 

Which is why he drew this painting, which garnered unexpected criticism, hatred, and disagreements. 

Its disturbing composition, colors, and explicit depiction of subjects led it to earn nothing but negative reactions, at least, in its initial phase. 

As an art lover, you must spend some time viewing this famous painting at the Louvre, as it was never displayed on a public platform before being purchased by the Paris Museum in 1921. 

The Louvre painter, who kept the real event into consideration, created scenes on canvas, exemplifying violence, chaos, and suffering. 

It depicts a merciless man covered in red fabric lying on a bed, surrounded by undressed women, who are being stabbed from the back. Others, on the other hand, were mercilessly abandoned to die. 

However, viewers’ eyes got glued to the disinterested man’s gold shimmering around his neck and head.

This Louvre painting was the darkest and most controversial artwork of Romanticism. 

Fascinatingly, this painting, which is worth millions of dollars, performed terribly and failed to capture attention when displayed at the Salon, in 1828.

9. The Lacemaker

The Lacemaker was another work by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer that was added to the Louvre. 

This small painting is hung on the wall of Room 837, in the Richelieu wing, on the second floor of the Louvre Museum.

You’ll be amazed by the fact that the Paris Museum bought it for 1,254 French francs, which was equivalent to $254 at the time. 

The painting depicts a female person in a yellow bodice, threading in and out of the pillow to design bobbin lace. 

A plain background evidently displays the action of the figural subject. 

The Louvre painting displays elements in a more abstract manner. Plus, the woman’s face and the activity she was performing were self-explanatory and evident, making this art piece one of the most famous paintings in the Louvre. 

The detailed work can be seen in her curls, the outfit she wears, and the way she works on the machine.

10. The Intervention of the Sabine Women

Another astonishing painting at the Louvre, The Intervention of the Sabine Women, which is based on a real-life event. 

There are two reasons why you should go to the Louvre Museum and enter Denon Wing Room 702 from the first floor. 

First, the artist thoroughly displayed a scene from Rome’s beginning in the 8th century BC. You will experience the turmoil depicted in this Louvre painting. 

Secondly, you’ll be thrilled to know that the artist planned to work on it despite getting imprisoned in 1796. 

He wanted to showcase France’s turmoil, chaos, bloodshed, and deaths across the region. Above all, he shared the message of the triumph of love over conflict and hatred. 

This Louvre Museum painting tried to show the reunion of people after the bloodshed of the revolution.

11. Grande Odalisque

Ingres conceptualized this famous Louvre artwork in 1814. The painter’s driving force was the work of Giorgione and Titian. 

Out of all the nude paintings, this Louvre art piece was one of the most celebrated ones. 

The painting depicts a concubine in a languid pose. The artist portrayed a woman from the back, draping a stole on her head and a peacock feather on the left of her crossed legs. 

Influential details were her small head, elongated limbs, and the blue-colored curtain, with its edge touching her left feet. 

Despite being housed in the world’s largest museum, the painting drew harsh criticism and hatred when it was first shown in 1814.

12. The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne

Louis XII of France, hired Leonardo da Vinci to produce this artwork. Surprisingly, he had never received this Louvre artwork from him, which is currently located at the Musee du Louvre, Paris.

It was Leonardo’s unfinished work which depicts Saint Anne, her daughter Virgin Mary, and Jesus as a toddler. 

Christ is depicted grappling with a lamb, but the Virgin Mary restrains him. The Louvre painting has scintillating features, and on the sides, confusing elements.

When you look closely at the painting, the Virgin is sitting on Saint Anne’s lap, and what message it tries to deliver is ambiguous.

Most tourists, especially those from France, who pay a visit to the Louvre art gallery wish to witness this enigmatic painting.

The story and background of this Louvre art piece are widely popular, as you can evidently see how Leonardo depicted two women and positioned them in a way that you can identify the relationship between them. 

Looking closely at it, it shows three different generations indulging in different forms of activity. This Louvre artwork is best known for its mysterious storyline and theme.

In 1793, the Louvre museum acquired it, and even since then, the da Vinci’ artwork has been stored within the department of painting.

Also Read: : 15 Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci

13. The Astronomer

We couldn’t possibly leave out “The Astronomer” from this list.

You’d be amazed when you see the best art of the Louvre, made by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer. 

This is one of the most famous artworks at the Louvre due to its past history. 

When you visit the Paris museum and look at it, you won’t believe that the artwork was stolen multiple times. 

Around 1880, it was acquired by a Paris-based banker. During World War II, the Nazis confiscated Vermeer’s painting from Baron Alphonse de Rothschild’s son by Hitler’s order. 

For dozens of years, the painting traveled from one place to another. Later, it was sent to its true owner, the Rothschild family, who later sold it to the Musée du Louvre in 1983.

Who wouldn’t want to own it as it was considered Vermeer’s best work? 

The Astronomer beautifully depicts an astronomer, emphasizing its work and environment. 

That was the era when the depiction of scientists on artwork was a statement in 17th century Dutch art. Johannes exemplified knowledge and focus. Also, try to show the relevance of journaling.

14. The Massacre at Chios

It’s one of the most famous Louvre paintings, created by Eugene Delacroix. 

The beauty of seeing it is its depiction of scenes and characters on a 4 meter canvas, which also explains Chios’ horrifying wartime scenario.

Most Louvre visitors spend time viewing this realistic painting, which displays disparity, grief, and inhumanity.

When you look at it, you’ll get a sense of the entire scene because the artist meticulously depicted figures frozen in time, displaying enormous amounts of suffering and utter shock.

In 1824, the Paris Museum acquired it and hung it in the same room where Ingre’s artwork was hung. 

It’s one of the most famous paintings in the Louvre; It was bought by the French state for 6,000 francs and transferred to the Musee du Louvre.

Also Read: 21 Famous Landscape Paintings That Were Housed By Top 10 Art Museums

15. Man with a Glove

The next painting of the Louvre you’ll find fascinating is “Man With A Glove”. 

The Louvre artwork is the best example of how it displays the class and wealthiness of the upper class. An unidentified man in a three-quarter view looks elegant and classy in a black coat. 

With sharp eyes, he was looking at an indefinite point on his left, actually challenging the viewers to comprehend his emotions. 

If you look closely, you’ll see a golden ring on his index finger (right hand) and a glove in left hand, holding another pair of gloves, defining the theme.

Created in the early 16th century, i.e 1520, was first acquired by Charles I of England in 1627. 

After his execution, it was brought for auction, later, it came into the possession of Louis XIV of France, and has been housed by the Louvre Museum since 1792.

16. Ship of Fools

Ships of Fools, which is a fragment of a triptych or three panels, now hangs on the Louvre museum walls. 

Well, as a Louvre visitor, you won’t see all pieces of this finest artwork, as its ⅔ part are owned by the Louvre, and the bottom one has been housed by the Yale University of Art Gallery. 

This Louvre painting, however, is worth seeing because it depicts ten people adrift in a boat, with two others overboard, struggling to swim in the water. 

It’s a complete experience, as you’ll see a nun in the center, playing a lute (a string instrument), was trying to swallow ball-like food, along with 4 others. 

On the left, another nun is throwing a flagon, without even caring about the person who looks vulnerable and scared.  Another man on the right is puking, and a male figure, crouching on the rope of the boat, is sipping an unidentified liquid through a bowl. 

The artist depicted an owl, which looks like a skull on a tree, to display bad luck in the boat. 

Ships of Fools, an artwork from the Louvre, shows people indulging in activities that lack direction and sense of achievement. 

Although the painting is owned by the Musee du Louvre, it was once donated in 1918, which the Louvre restored in 2015, currently worth millions of dollars.

17. The Fortune Teller

Unfortunately, you’ll be able to see its second version in the Louvre Museum, Paris, which was created by Caravaggio in 1595.

The Fortune Teller is one of Caravaggio’s best paintings. The theme, the background, and the story are the same in both versions, However, the two figures—a young man and a gypsy are different. 

Caravaggio beautifully explained how a naive person can be fooled by the sensuous look of a gypsy. 

In this Louvre painting, both exchange their gaze—a young boy has been mesmerized by gypsy girl’s seductive look. 

And he had been manipulated by her as she smoothly removed his golden ring from his finger.

Caravaggio painted its second version to generate profits and exhibit it in a much more deserving place, as the former was forcefully sold at low prices.

Wondering where its first version is? Well, it hangs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

18. St. Michael Vanquishing Satan 

If you’re a fan of Raphael, then you’ve got another reason to visit the Paris Museum.

St. Michael Vanquishing Satan is considered one of Raphael’s popular artworks, which conveys a beautiful message that God triumphs over evil, every time.

This large-sized Louvre painting exists in two versions, both with the same subjects, theme, and message.

The Louvre painting depicts the archangel Michael standing on Satan’s back, holding a spear over his wings. 

Raphael’s depiction of God’ victory over wrongdoers won millions of hearts. 

St. Michael Vanquishing Satan, which was commissioned by Pope Leo X, and completed in 1518, has been housed by the Paris museum since 1667.

19. The Lictors Bring to Brutus the Bodies of His Sons 

Since the Louvre Museum is so large, if you miss seeing it, don’t worry because it’s on permanent display at the Louvre Museum in Paris. 

This Louvre painting is the epitome of sacrifice, virtue, and devotion to the nation’s pride and progress. 

As the main subject sacrificed his own family to restore the monarchy, he overthrew the republic. 

Jacques Louis David displayed the subject (Lucius Brutus) in a position that contemplated his own sons’ fate.

Despite being a heartbreaking painting in the Neoclassical style, it depicted Brutus’ wife in the center, alongside his two daughters in grief. 

One is about to faint, another is in immense shock. On the right, the lady servant is in anguish, whose face is and body partially covered with a green cloth. 

Brutus, who actually looked cold-hearted, was tense as his crossed feet explained his mental state. 

This artwork of the Louvre was created with a thought of resonating with the surging causes of republicanism.

20. Portrait of Louis XIV

This is a must-watch Louvre painting! 

There are numerous reasons to stop by and stare at it as it displays minute details of the scene. First things first, this Louvre painting was commissioned by the king himself to fulfill his grandson’s wish.

Hyacinthe Rigaud, who finished painting in 1701, finely painted King Louis XIV in a standing position. His crown is kept on the chair, covered with a large piece of material that matches his attire. 

The king occupies the center of the composition, and the curtain behind his posture and the strong gray marble pillars make him look royal and dominating. 

The King stands ahead of his throne on upholstered furniture in blue and embroidered with fleur de lys, which makes its portrait picture surreal. 

The artist had really looked at minuscule details and created a beautiful depiction of Louis XIV in coronation robes. 

That’s why you’ll find it in the crown collections of the Louvre, whose replica you’ll also find in the Apollo Room of the Palace of Versailles.

21. The Barque of Dante

Good news for Eugene Delacroix’s fans: the artist’s most stunning work is here at the Louvre museum. 

This is one of the most famous paintings in the Louvre, which depicts the events narrated in canto eight of Dante’s Inferno. 

This ambitious work depicts the events narrated in Canto 8 of Dante’s Inferno. 

There are 10 people in the painting—7 of them are overboard, and in a much more disturbing and difficult state. In the background, it’s leaden, smoky mist, and the burning City of the Dead. Chaos and suffering is everywhere, as other boats sink into the sea. 

The poet Dante survives it and is steadied next by Virgil. 

In 1822, the painting was purchased by the French state for 2,000 francs and moved to the Musee de Luxembourg. 

However, after the death of the artist, the painting was moved to the Louvre Museum in 1874.

22. Madonna of Chancellor Rolin

Last on the list is the Madonna of Chancellor Rolin, created by Jan Van Eyck in 1435.

The painting was commissioned by the Duke of Burgundy, Nicolas Rolin. Jan depicted a hovering angel crowning the Virgin Mary, who is presenting the infant Jesus to Rolin. 

The foreground and background add details, making the Louvre painting much more impactful. 

It is believed that the scene is set within a spacious and beautiful loggia, evidently seen with its columns, pillars, and gardens. 

There are wide, detailed palaces, churches, an island, and a landscape with a river, believed to be in Auntun, Burgundy.

Two men in chaperons sneak through the crenellations, aiming to witness the fortified bridge in the middle of the city. 

Near them are two magpies and two peacocks standing on their left, symbolizing good (Jesus) and evil. 

The artist believed in the idea of presenting a dichotomy between good and evil as he did, considering magpies as evil and peacocks as good.

Final Note

If you’ve planned to visit the Paris Museum, make sure you see these most famous pieces in the Louvre. 

If you ask me “what famous art is in the Louvre,” I’ll probably reply that there are thousands, though you need 2-3 days to have a complete tour of the world’s largest art museum.

These are the Louvre Museum’s famous paintings that hold records in several categories and are the best work of their respective artists. 

Not only are these famous paintings from the Louvre worth millions, but they also contributed to the museum’s popularity and growth.

Hello, Art Appreciators!

Thank you for your consideration.

I hope you found this information useful.

I’ve listed 23 of the Louvre Museum’s best paintings that have received widespread acclaim, prizes, and, of course, attention from prestigious museums.

However, if you believe I missed something or that I should have included more pertinent information, please let me know in the comments area.

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