June 4, 2014- The Section Denon, which contains many of the Renaissance paintings in the Louvre’s treasury, is entered via the Hall of Queen Anna.  An informational sign tells the origins of the Louvre as a public museum.

Next, note the ceiling.  The ceilings throughout this lead-in to Cour Corree (Square Salon) are done up like those in a palace, or grand cathedral.

The hall has a series of ceiling panels, all in high ornate gold.

We will see the Coronation of Napoleon, as well as the treasures of Chambre de La Joconde (The Mona Lisa Room).  First, though, I wish to share some of the items in the Great Hall of Louis XIV.  Many fine crystal and lapis lazuli pieces have been brought here from Versailles.

The Two Crowns, those of Louis XIV and of Louis XV, are shown in this case.

In the subsequent galleries, the aforementioned Chambre La Joconde and Salon de Coronissement, are found several of the paintings for which people visit the museum.

I will start with Veronese’s  “The Wedding at Cana”.

This, and “The Coronation of the Virgin in Paradise”, by Tintoretto, are actually far more  prominent in the gallery itself.

Giotto’s “Madonna and Child ” complements Veronese’s masterpiece.

Leonardo da Vinci’s “Madonna and Child with Ste. Anne” follows his predecessor’s depiction.

On the opposite wall is the Other Lady.  I was actually fortunate to get this close.

We left this sanctified room after fifteen minutes, and spent time with France’s two most active militarist rulers.  First is Francois I, a contemporary of Henry VIII.

Then there is the Emperor, at his coronation.  Jacques-Louis David’s masterpiece is the center of Salon de Coronissement.

After the guided tour ended, I found Salon de Verres, and these Biblical gems.  First is “The Fainting of Esther”, by Veronese, showing the Jewish Queen swooning at the prospect of her marriage to Xerxes.

The ceiling fresco, “The Banishment of Lucifer” graces Salon de Verres as well.

With this brief visit to Salon de Verres, I thought I was ready for the east segment of the Left Bank.  The Universe had other plans, and as the rain was getting heavier after lunch, I visited L’Eglise St. Germain d’Auxerres and then went back to my hotel for a bit.  This was nonetheless a fantastic introduction to one of the world’s true treasure houses.

NEXT:  A Visit to Trocadero, and ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Apartment