The Museum as a Political Instrument: The Birth of a National Narrative

Before talking about masterpieces, one simple question needs to be asked:

why are these works here — and not elsewhere?

This opening visit aims to show how the Louvre was shaped as an instrument of power:

from the royal collections of the Renaissance to Napoleon’s imperial museum, and on to its contemporary extensions.

Through architecture, curatorial choices and a selection of emblematic paintings, we will explore how art has been used to construct an official narrative, legitimise political regimes, and project an image of the State.

A dense and demanding visit, but an essential one for approaching the following sessions of the series from a different perspective.