Love in the Louvre

This fascinating book presents the universal theme of love as seen in artworks from many different ages and cultures. The Louvre’s diverse collection ranges from classical examples such as Nicostratos’ c. 150–100 BCE sculpture Couple on their Wedding Night to more modern works such as Fragonard’s eighteenth-century painting The Lock. An array of different scenes in the gathered works present the many faces of love, from the first seeds of romance to sensual, passionate intrigues. Each painting or sculpture is shown in its entirety and in detail, focusing on the elements pertaining to the theme of love. All are accompanied by a short, illuminating commentary and are introduced by a preface in which the specialist author Jean Claude Bologne draws upon his personal reflections on the works. Those discovering the works for the first time will find much to appreciate, art lovers will see great works in a different light, and the romantically-inclined will be enchanted.

Jean-Claude Bologne is a historian and professor of medieval iconography at ICART in Paris.