I Went to The Louvre & Cried About It

Winged Victory of Samothrace | Hellenistic | 200-190 BC

Anyone who has gone to art school can recall the amount of memorization that was required. Famous pieces, unique pieces, obscure pieces… there was always a list about a mile long of strange names and their accompanying dates to memorize. Memorization has always tricky for me, but when the piece above came across the dark classroom powerpoint, I would never forget her. If ever was fortunate enough to see any piece of art history in my life, this would be it. I promised myself.

When I learned my June trip to Europe would include a few hours at the Louvre, I. was. so. pumped. Meandering the halls of the Louvre at the pace of the tour group was a minuscule type of torture. I eventually broke away, “got lost” and went to find Ms. Nike herself.

Oh, was she ever fantastical! Most of the sculptures were on small platforms, surrounded by people. Winged Victory was elevated on a ship type structure far above the heads of many tourists.

I locked eyes and just e n j o y e d. And felt those magic tingles of an anticipated moment being fulfilled.

Every room I entered, I saw something that rang familiar, something that I recognized. There is a quiet, personal exhilaration for me to experience the work of artists I had studied, memorized, and discussed so thoroughly during school.

The MOMA in San Fransisco was my first experience with that, seeing several originals of Chuck Close and Edvard Munch. Same feeling. Different views.

My visit to the Louvre was far, far too short, but mon ami Paris, I will most definitely make it back to you in this lifetime. Grateful for the time I was gifted this trip.