The Louvre is one of the most iconic museums in the world. It houses over 35,000 artworks, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. While it’s easy to get lost admiring the beauty of the museum, it’s important to teach students about its history.
The Louvre was originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, which was later transformed into a royal palace by King Francis I in the 16th century. It became a museum in 1793, during the French Revolution, under the orders of the National Assembly. Throughout the years, it has undergone multiple renovations and expansions to become the museum we know today.
Teaching students about the history of the Louvre is important for multiple reasons. Firstly, it helps put the artworks into context. For example, the Winged Victory of Samothrace statue was built in Greece around 190 BC and was discovered on the island of Samothrace in 1863. It wasn’t until 1884 that it was added to the Louvre’s collection. Knowing the history of the statue helps students understand its significance and appreciate its beauty.
Secondly, knowing the history of the Louvre helps students understand its importance as a cultural institution. The Louvre isn’t just a place to admire beautiful artworks but also a place where the history of art is preserved and celebrated. It’s a place where generations of artists and art lovers have come to appreciate and learn from the collections. Understanding this helps students see the value in preserving cultural institutions.
Finally, teaching students about the history of the Louvre can inspire them to pursue a career in the arts. Understanding the evolution of the museum and the efforts made by those who have worked to preserve and expand it can help students understand that there are many different career paths in the art world beyond just being an artist.
Overall, teaching students about the history of the Louvre is essential for not only appreciating the artworks but also valuing the importance of cultural institutions and inspiring the next generation of art lovers.
