A visit to the Louvre is often a pilgrimage to see some of the most famous artworks in human history. Dominating many visitors’ must-see lists are three legendary figures: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (La Joconde) is arguably the world’s most famous painting. Her enigmatic smile has captivated audiences for centuries, and the story of her 1911 theft only added to her mystique. Despite her relatively small size, she commands a significant presence, viewed by millions each year.
The Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue of the goddess Aphrodite, is celebrated for its idealised beauty and graceful form. Discovered on the island of Milos in 1820, this armless marble sculpture has become a universal symbol of classical art.
Soaring at the top of the Daru Staircase, the Winged Victory of Samothrace (Nike of Samothrace) is a breathtaking Hellenistic sculpture. This depiction of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, with her衣物 billowing as if in mid-flight, exudes power and dynamism despite being headless and armless.
While these three are unmissable, they represent just the tip of the iceberg of the Louvre’s vast and varied collection of masterpieces.
