Trish and I spent three weeks in Paris last month visiting museums, monuments, and enjoying the beautiful city
without the tourists and crowds. . . more info about the trip can be found on blog # 595, posted Dec. 28, 2014.
I will continue to periodically refer to the trip in upcoming blogs and spotlight different museums and
the art we experienced. As usual, sculpture will be the main topic.
The focus of this blog are the two magnificent marble carvings of Michelangelo's "Slaves" located in the Louvre. The sculptures, entitled "Bound Slave" and
"Captive Slave" are two of six "Slave" sculptures that were created between 1513
and 1520 for the tomb of Julius II when Michelangelo was at the height of his power.
The "Moses" sculpture, also by Michelangelo Buonarroti, is located in Rome
and was planned for the tomb as well but the tomb was never completed and
the statues are now separated. There are four additional "Slaves" or "Captives"
in the Gallery of the Academy in Florence, Italy - the "Unfinished Captives" -
that were intended to be included in the tomb of Julius II.
The two "Slaves" that reside in Paris were given to Henry II of France
in 1550 and found their way to the Louvre during the French Revolution.
and was planned for the tomb as well but the tomb was never completed and
the statues are now separated. There are four additional "Slaves" or "Captives"
in the Gallery of the Academy in Florence, Italy - the "Unfinished Captives" -
that were intended to be included in the tomb of Julius II.
The two "Slaves" that reside in Paris were given to Henry II of France
in 1550 and found their way to the Louvre during the French Revolution.
Below, are images of the two "Slaves" taken in the Louvre last month. We had the gallery where they are located all to ourselves most of the morning on our first visit to the museum and upon entering the Louvre, we walked directly to
"The Victory of Samothrace", (blog # 595) , then to the " Bound Slave" and "Captive Slave",
and then to "The Venus De Milo" which will be discussed in next Wednesday's blog.
These sculptures are among the masterpieces of the Louvre.
and then to "The Venus De Milo" which will be discussed in next Wednesday's blog.
These sculptures are among the masterpieces of the Louvre.
We spent three days in the Louvre.
Scholars disagree about the allegorical meaning of the beautiful, tortured, sculptures.
Above all, they are the clearest and most powerful expression of the grandeur in thought, the drama,
and the restless, tormented spirit of Michelangelo. They, and the unfinished "Slaves" in Florence
are my favorite sculptures by the Renaissance master. More about Michelangelo in a future blog.
Below, Trish and I purchased two consecutive ten-day museum passes so entering and leaving the museums
was no problem. Typically, we would find a little cafe for lunch. French fries and a crouque was the drill
for Trish and French onion soup with baguette for me . . . red wine - always.
Below, Trish and I purchased two consecutive ten-day museum passes so entering and leaving the museums
was no problem. Typically, we would find a little cafe for lunch. French fries and a crouque was the drill
for Trish and French onion soup with baguette for me . . . red wine - always.
Go to the BLOG INDEX on the right for more information.
Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott and Trish
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