The Richelieu Wing at the Louvre

Secret Treasures and Hidden Gems

The Louvre Museum in Paris is the world’s most famous and largest museum, housing an unparalleled collection of art and artifacts from across the centuries. Among its three main wings, Denon, Sully, and Richelieu, the Richelieu Wing stands out as a treasure trove of European sculpture, decorative arts, Near Eastern antiquities, and stunning period rooms. Named after Cardinal Richelieu, a key political figure during the reign of Louis XIII, this wing of the Louvre offers an immersive journey through history and art.

A Brief History of the Richelieu Wing

Originally part of the Palais du Louvre, the Richelieu Wing underwent various transformations before becoming the grand exhibition space it is today. During the reign of Napoleon III in the 19th century, the Louvre expanded, and the Richelieu Wing housed government offices and ministries. In 1989, as part of President François Mitterrand’s “Grand Louvre” project, the Richelieu Wing was transformed into a dedicated gallery for the museum’s growing collection.

Architect I. M. Pei, best known for designing the Louvre Pyramid, oversaw the renovation of the Richelieu Wing, which opened to the public in 1993. Since then, it has become one of the most significant spaces within the museum, boasting an impressive array of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts.

What is in the Richelieu Wing at the Louvre?

The Richelieu Wing is divided into three floors, each showcasing distinct collections, ranging from grand sculptures to opulent furniture and ancient relics. The following are the major highlights within this wing:

1. Ground Floor: Cour Marly and Cour Puget

The Cour Marly

One of the most breathtaking areas of the Richelieu Wing is the Cour Marly, a glass-roofed courtyard displaying an exceptional collection of sculptures. The sculptures, originally commissioned by King Louis XIV for the gardens of the Chateau de Marly, now grace this magnificent space. The luminous setting allows visitors to admire the exquisite details of each sculpture, including the dynamic movement and realism captured by artists such as Antoine Coysevox, François Girardon, and Pierre Lepautre.

Among the most celebrated sculptures in Cour Marly are:

• The Horses of Marly – A dramatic marble sculpture of rearing horses and their handlers, once part of the Marly estate.
• Neptune and Amphitrite – A stunning depiction of the sea god Neptune with his consort.
• Milo of Croton – A remarkable sculpture illustrating the tragic demise of the Greek athlete Milo, torn apart by a lion.

The Cour Puget

Opposite the Cour Marly is the Cour Puget, another glass-roofed courtyard filled with sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of these works were originally displayed in public gardens or royal palaces, making them significant in the history of French sculpture. Key highlights in this section include:

• Perseus and Andromeda by Pierre Puget – A striking Baroque masterpiece portraying the mythical hero saving Andromeda from a sea monster.
• The Triumph of Neptune and Amphitrite – A detailed and powerful work by Lambert-Sigisbert Adam.
• Hercules Fighting the Hydra – A dramatic and energetic representation of the legendary hero battling the serpent-like Hydra.

2. First Floor: French and Northern European Paintings

The first floor of the Richelieu Wing is dedicated to French and Northern European paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. This collection includes works by renowned masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Rubens, and Van Dyck.

Highlights of the Northern European Collection:

• Rembrandt’s Self-Portraits – The Dutch master’s ability to capture emotion and psychological depth in his self-portraits is unmatched.
• Johannes Vermeer’s The Astronomer and The Lacemaker – Two of Vermeer’s finest works, showcasing his signature use of light and intimate domestic scenes.
• Peter Paul Rubens’ Marie de’ Medici Cycle – A grand series of 24 paintings celebrating the life of Queen Marie de’ Medici, wife of Henry IV of France.

Additionally, this floor houses an exquisite selection of Flemish, Dutch, and German paintings, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the development of art in these regions from the Renaissance to the Baroque period.

3. Second Floor: French Decorative Arts and Apartments of Napoleon III

One of the most opulent and breathtaking sections of the Richelieu Wing is the Napoleon III Apartments, located on the second floor. These rooms, once used by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, have been preserved to display the grandeur of 19th-century French aristocratic life.

The Napoleon III Apartments

The apartments exude luxury, adorned with gilded moldings, elaborate chandeliers, rich red velvet furnishings, and exquisite paintings. Walking through these lavish rooms gives visitors a glimpse into the splendor of Second Empire France. Highlights include:

• The Grand Salon – A richly decorated room with opulent furniture and dazzling crystal chandeliers.
• The Dining Room – Featuring an immense banquet table set with exquisite silverware and porcelain, evoking the grandeur of imperial feasts.
• The Music Room – A space dedicated to entertainment, showcasing period musical instruments and elegant decor.

French Decorative Arts Collection

Beyond the Napoleon III Apartments, the second floor also houses a magnificent collection of French decorative arts from the Renaissance to the 19th century. These include:

• Intricately designed tapestries and textiles from the royal courts.
• Elegant furniture pieces by famed cabinetmakers such as André-Charles Boulle.
• Stunning porcelain and ceramics from Sèvres and other prestigious French manufactories.

Secret Treasures and Hidden Gems of the Richelieu Wing

While the major attractions of the Richelieu Wing captivate visitors, there are also many hidden gems that art enthusiasts should not miss.

1. The Hidden Masterpieces of Dutch Art

Though overshadowed by the Denon Wing’s Mona Lisa, the Richelieu Wing is home to several lesser-known Dutch masterpieces. Gerrit Dou’s The Dropsical Woman, a stunning example of Dutch genre painting, and Frans Hals’ Portrait of a Man Holding a Skull, a strikingly lifelike portrait, are among the hidden treasures.

2. The Enigmatic Babylonian Artifacts

The Near Eastern antiquities section in the Richelieu Wing houses remarkable Mesopotamian artifacts, including the Code of Hammurabi, one of the world’s oldest written legal codes. This ancient basalt stele, inscribed with Babylonian laws, offers a fascinating glimpse into early legal systems.

3. The Forgotten French Masterpieces

While the Louvre is synonymous with Italian Renaissance art, the Richelieu Wing boasts exceptional French paintings by lesser-known yet highly skilled artists such as Nicolas Lancret and Jean-Baptiste Greuze. Their works, depicting idyllic pastoral scenes and intimate domestic moments, provide a unique insight into French artistic traditions.

The Richelieu Wing at the Louvre is an extraordinary space, offering a rich and diverse collection of art, sculpture, and historical artifacts. From the grandeur of the Cour Marly to the elegance of the Napoleon III Apartments, this wing encapsulates the artistic and cultural evolution of Europe. Whether you are drawn to the masterful paintings of Vermeer and Rembrandt, the intricate craftsmanship of French decorative arts, or the imposing sculptures of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Richelieu Wing promises a mesmerizing journey through history and artistry. Next time you visit the Louvre, take the time to explore this hidden gem—you might just discover a new favorite masterpiece. image/flickr