Media-rich module examines a pastel portrait of Madame de Pompadour, an influential member of the court of Louis XV and patron of the arts. The work, by French artist Maurice-Quentin Delatour, conveys much useful information about the...

A full-featured exploration of a sumptuous portrait of the Virgin and Child by Van Eyck, with insightful descriptions, analysis, and interpretative commentary. Especially insightful notes about the painting's religious symbolism.

A PBS site describes the 1911 theft of the "Mona Lisa." Retells the story of the crime, investigates the suspects, and traces its return to the Louvre.

The Louvre Museum at night (Paris)

The Louvre seen from the Place du Carrousel at night (Paris)

Site that includes biographical information about renown French Rococo artist Jean-Honore Fragonard. A portrait of the artist is also depicted.

Learn why the human form is central to the understanding and appreciation of Greek art by considering nineteen works linked together in a thematic trail. Pieces can be enlarged for closer inspection, and description windows can be opened...

A rich look at the influences on Marcel Proust's writing from the National Library of France. See how his interaction with art, artists, music, composers, and contemporary society developed his craft.

Retrospective, with full-color reproductions of Ingres's masterworks, including the "Grande Odalisque," traces the major episodes in the painter's artistic career.

Learn about the various actions that have been taken to preserve the "Mona Lisa," one of Leonardo's most famous portrait paintings. Explore compositional details, unfinished portions of the painting, and other interesting tidbits about...

Media-rich module examines a terracotta figurine that embodies many characteristics of classical Greek sculpture. Expert commentary accompanied by animated overlays demonstrate details of the composition that give it harmony, balance,...

An image of "Bernini's scheme for the Louvre", created by Jean I Marot in 1665 (Engraving).

An image of "View and Perspective of the Louvre", created by Gabriel Perellez (Engraving).

An image of "Imaginary View of the Grande Galerie in the Louvre", created by Hubert Robert in 1789 (Oil on canvas, 65 x 81 cm).

An image of "Design for the Grande Galerie in the Louvre", created by Hubert Robert in 1796 (Oil on canvas, 112 x 143 cm).

An image of "Imaginary View of the Grande Galerie in the Louvre in Ruins", created by Hubert Robert in 1796 (Oil on canvas, 114,5 x 146 cm).

An image of "View of the Grand Salon Carre in the Louvre", created by Giuseppe Castiglione in 1861 (Oil on canvas, 69 x 103 cm).

An image of "Clearing the Area in front of the Louvre Colonnade", created by Pierre-Antoine De Machy, c. 1760 (Oil on canvas, 41 x 52 cm).

An image of "Clearing the Area in front of the Louvre Colonnade", created by Pierre-Antoine De Machy, c. 1760 (Oil on canvas, 60 x 92 cm).

An image of "Allegory on the Installation of the Museum in the Grande Galerie of the Louvre", created by Jean-Jacques Lagrenee in 1783 (Oil on canvas, 52 x 68 cm).

Example of a cylinder seal and the impression it made. Indication of Cypro-Minoan script. 14th century B.C.E.. At the Louvre.

Hammurabi's famous legal code survives in partial copies on a stele in the Louvre and on clay tablets. Read a short description of Hammurabi's Code in this article.

A detailed history and explanation of the ideologies behind cubism. Lots of cubism links as well.

The Pyxis of al-Mughira, now in the Louvre, is among the best surviving examples of the royal ivory carving tradition in Al-Andalus (Islamic Spain). View pictures and read a description of this pyxis in this essay.