…..at what cost would you see the Mona Lisa?
We’ve all seen pictures, videos and documentaries of the Mona Lisa. You may have read books about that mysterious smile or where the art piece itself is central to the storyline.
I’ve heard over and over again how small the painting is in real life and yet when I actually saw it I felt it was larger than I had imagined. Was it worth the long line-ups, the crowds and the close proximity to so many people during a pandemic?
I am not sorry that I saw her up close, well at least as close as you are allowed to be. I stood in line with our son but my husband didn’t. He saw the painting from the back of the room. What I am sorry for is all the art that I didn’t get to see or spend time with, as we hurried along the u-shaped galleries to get to the room where the Mona Lisa hung. I knew we were getting closer when the crowds got denser.
There is so much to see at the Louvre that you need more than one 90 minute slot. We were there at the end of the day and leaving Paris the next morning. Here are a few other art pieces that we managed to see.
Mama Cormier 
First saw the painting over 50 years ago when you could easily get close up to it. I remember thinking she looked enigmatic.
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I think now you can get about 15 feet from the Mona Lisa. Her ‘smile’ is certainly open for interpretation.
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It must have been an awesome experience! I wish I will be able to go there one day!
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I think if you have an opportunity you should definitely go. Every time I hear or see something pertaining to the Louvre or the Mona Lisa I will have a personal connection.
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I will definitely try.
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That’s a very good point you make about what you miss seeing in the Louvre while waiting to see the Mona Lisa. Moreover, much of this other art is unfamiliar and you miss it completely. Besides, there is so much to see.
I really liked the Medici Gallery when I was there in 1992. I’m not really sure why now. I had been very interested in modern art and hadn’t really been too aware of all that came before it and was blown away by the Louvre. I later went on to Florence and London but such a mind blowing experience for a 22 year old Australian.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Thanks for your interesting perspective. I too am more interested in Modern Art but after visiting the big art galleries in Amsterdam and Florence I have more of an appreciation for the masters. My favourite gallery ever is in Venice …. Peggy Guggenheim Gallery. It is all modern art.
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Surprising! Such a beautiful place!
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It really is Robert. So much to see.
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