the Louvre

Ain Ghazal

The Ain Ghazal statues are some of the oldest large-size depictions of the human form. These range from 8000-7000 BCE and were found in Ain Ghazal (hence the name) in Jordan. Some of the cache are distributed (London, Paris, Abu Dhabi) while the rest are (hopefully still) on display at the museum in Amman, Jordan. … Continue reading →

Sumerian antiquities at the Louvre – 1

If anything at all deserves the appellation “antique”, it is a relic from Sumer. The following pictures are from some of the most magical rooms at the Louvre, and that’s saying something. Sumer and its cities have always fascinated me and it was with something bordering on the reverence for the divine that I took … Continue reading →

Medieval Arms at the Louvre – 5

Flintlock pistols and muskets manufactured by Bertrand Piraube, France’s leading gun-maker in the 17th century. His works were sought after by Europe’s royalty and are today some of the most prized firearms among collectors and museums across the world. Seeing the quality of the product and the details, it is not hard to understand why … Continue reading →

Medieval Arms at the Louvre – 4

As a kid, reading the Three Musketeers and similar fiction, I used to wonder why they were called powder “horns”. Over time, I guess, I stopped thinking about it completely. Much later I found out that they were made of animal horns. These exquisite samples reminded me of childhood in an odd way. The carvings … Continue reading →

Medieval Arms at the Louvre – 3

Napoleon III’s apartments at the Louvre – 14

Some last picks from the royal collection as I headed out to the armory section and onwards.

Napoleon III’s apartments at the Louvre – 13

Bling is never far from the sight as you roam through the apartments once inhabited by the French royal family at the height of French opulence.

Napoleon III’s apartments at the Louvre – 10

Onward from the very interesting scientific instrument exhibit, and it was back to the bling.

Napoleon III’s apartments at the Louvre – 6