Don't Miss the Winged Victory of Samothrace

 

The Nike of Samothrace statue (Winged Victory of Samothrace) is my personal favorite work of art in the Louvre.  I keep a small replica of it on my desk at home to remind me of this story from President Packer:

Winged Victory of Samothrace - An Experience Related by Elder Boyd K. Packer

The Winged Victory of Samothrace, or the Nike of Samothrace,^[2] is a votive monument originally found on the island of Samothrace, north of the Aegean Sea. It is a masterpiece of Greek sculpture from the Hellenistic era, dating from the beginning of the 2nd century BCE. 

It is composed of a statue representing the goddess Niké (Victory), whose head and arms are missing, and its base in the shape of a ship's bow.

The total height of the monument is 5.57 meters including the socle; the statue alone measures 2.75 meters. 

The sculpture is one of a small number of major Hellenistic statues surviving in the original, rather than Roman copies. 

Winged Victory has been exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris, at the top of the main staircase, since 1884.  At one time it was considered to be the most valuable piece of art in the world.

President Packer recalled one experience in a training meeting when an older teacher delivered a presentation critical of Church history and impugning the integrity of several past and present Church leaders.

The teacher ended his presentation with a call for his peers to “wake up and be more critical and selective.” Asked to comment, Brother Packer arose and felt inspired to speak about the famous Greek sculpture the Winged Victory. 

He pointed out that over the years, the statue had suffered many cracks and scrapes and even lost its head and arms, but it was still regarded as immensely valuable. 

He explained:

Regarding the Church, I suppose if we look we can find flaws and abrasions and a chip missing here and there. I suppose we can see an aberration or an imperfection in a leader of the past or perhaps the present. Nonetheless, there is still absolute, hard-rock, undeniable, irrefutable proof, because the Church is what it is and because that someone, sometime, with supreme inspired spiritual genius set to work obediently under inspiration and organized it, and so it came into being. It is best that we should enlarge ourselves to appreciate the beauty and genius of it, rather than debunk and look for the flaws.

Brother Packer then cautioned, “My fellow teachers, it isn’t the Church or the gospel that is on trial. We are.”

President Packer kept a small replica of the statue "Winged Victory" in his office.

"He liked this work of art because even though it is less than perfect in appearance, it is still a masterpiece,"  "President Packer could overlook faults and human frailties and could see the divine in the people and in this great church."

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/by-study-and-also-by-faith/chapter-three-follow-the-brethren-1953-1969?lang=eng

Favorite Pieces in the Louvre

People often ask what our favorite stops are in the Louvre?  First, let me say that the Louvre is gigantic.  If you were to look at every piece, it would take you a week of visiting the Louvre every day.  But our favorite pieces in the Louvre are:

Mona Lisa - The Mona Lisa is a half-length portrait painting by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. Considered an archetypal masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, it has been described as "the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, [and] the most parodied work of art in the world"

The portrait assumed to be of the wife of Francesco del Giocondo is considered to be the most famous painting in the world. The theft of this canvas in the 19th century and the mystery surrounding its origin never fail to draw the crowds.  Notice that she does not have eyebrows.

Winged Victory Statue of Samothrace - The Winged Victory of Samothrace, or the Nike of Samothrace, is a votive monument originally found on the island of Samothrace, north of the Aegean Sea. It is a masterpiece of Greek sculpture from the Hellenistic era, dating from the beginning of the 2nd century BC.

Venus de Milo - The Venus de Milo or Aphrodite of Melos is an ancient Greek sculpture that was created during the Hellenistic period. Dating back to around 130 BC, Venus de Milo is considered to be one of the most beloved pieces of ancient Greek sculpture.

The Wedding at Cana - The Wedding Feast at Cana, by Paolo Veronese, is a representational painting that depicts the biblical story of the Wedding at Cana, at which Jesus miraculously converts water into red wine.

The Raft of the Medusa - The Raft of the Medusa – originally titled Scène de Naufrage – is an oil painting of 1818–19 by the French Romantic painter and lithographer Théodore Géricault. Completed when the artist was 27, the work has become an icon of French Romanticism.

Liberty Leading the People - Liberty Leading the People is a painting by Eugène Delacroix commemorating the July Revolution of 1830, which toppled King Charles X.

The Coronation of Napoleon - The Coronation of Napoleon is a painting completed in 1807 by Jacques-Louis David, the official painter of Napoleon, depicting the coronation of Napoleon at Notre-Dame de Paris. The oil painting has imposing dimensions – it is almost 10 metres wide by a little over 6 metres tall.

The Lacemaker - The Lacemaker is a painting by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, completed around 1669–1670 and held in the Louvre, Paris. The work shows a young woman wearing a yellow bodice, holding up a pair of bobbins in her left hand as she carefully places a pin in the pillow on which she is making her bobbin lace. https://www.pariscityvision.com/en/paris/museums/louvre-museum/top-20-masterpieces-at-the-louvre

Louvre - most visited site in Paris

 

In 2022, the Louvre was the most visited cultural site in Greater Paris. That said, attendance at the renowned tourist attraction - the most visited museum worldwide -  remained lower than in 2019, the year prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overall, the Louvre welcomed roughly 7.7 million visitors in 2022. That year, the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay followed in the ranking, with around 5.8 million and 3.3 million visitors, respectively. https://www.statista.com/statistics/631310/leading-cultural-venues-paris-by-visitor-number.

Louvre, in full Louvre Museum or French Musée du Louvre, official name Great Louvre or French Grand Louvre, national museum and art gallery of France, housed in part of a large palance in Paris that was built on the right-bank site of the 12th-century fortress of Philip Augustus.  It is the world’s most-visited art museum, with a collection that spans work from ancient civilizations to the mid-19th century.

History of the Building. In 1546 Francis I, who was a great art collector, had this old castle razed and began to build on its site another royal residence, the Louvre, which was added to by almost every subsequent French monarch. Under Francis I, only a small portion of the present Louvre was completed, under the architect Pierre Lescot. This original section is today the southwestern part of the Cour Carrée. In the 17th century, major additions were made to the building complex by Louis XIII and Louis XIV.  Cardinal de Richelieu,  the chief minister of Louis XIII, acquired great works of art for the king. Louis XIV and his minister, Cardinal Mazarin, acquired outstanding art collections, including that of Charles I of England. A committee consisting of the architects Claude Perrault and Louis Le Vau and the decorator and painter Charles Le Brun  planned that part of the Louvre which is known as the Colonnade.

The Louvre ceased to be a royal residence when Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles in 1682. The idea of using the Louvre as a public museum originated in the 18th century. The comte d’Angiviller helped build and plan the Grande Galerie and continued to acquire major works of art. In 1793 the revolutionary government opened to the public the Musée Central des Arts in the Grande Galerie. Under  Napoleonthe Cour Carrée and a wing on the north along the rue de Rivoli were begun. In the 19th century two major wings, their galleries and pavilions extending west, were completed, and Napoleon III  was responsible for the exhibition that opened them. The completed Louvre was a vast complex of buildings forming two main quadrilaterals and enclosing two large courtyards.

The Louvre building complex underwent a major remodeling in the 1980s and ’90s in order to make the old museum more accessible and accommodating to its visitors. To this end, a vast underground complex of offices, shops, exhibition spaces, storage areas, and parking areas, as well as an auditorium, a tourist bus depot, and a cafeteria, was constructed underneath the Louvre’s central courtyards of the Cour Napoléon and the Cour du Carrousel. The ground-level entrance to this complex was situated in the centre of the Cour Napoléon and was crowned  by a controversial steel-and-glass pyramid designed by the American architect I.M. Pei. 

The underground complex of support facilities and public amenities was opened in 1989. In 1993, on the museum’s 200th anniversary, the rebuilt Richelieu wing, formerly occupied by France’s Ministry of Finance, was opened; for the first time, the entire Louvre was devoted to museum purposes. The new wing, also designed by Pei, had more than 230,000 square feet (21,368 square metres) of exhibition space, originally housing collections of European painting, decorative arts, and Islamic art. Three glass-roofed interior courtyards displayed French sculpture and ancient Assyrian artworks. The museum’s expanding collection of Islamic art later moved into its own wing (opened 2012), for which Italian architects Mario Bellini and Rudy Ricciotti enclosed another interior courtyard beneath an undulating gold-coloured roof made of glass and steel. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Louvre-Museum

Paris - the City of Light

 

Paris, France's capital, is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Beyond such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower and the 12th-century, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, the city is known for its cafe culture and designer boutiques along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. ― Google

Why is Paris called ‘The City of Light’?

Many have guessed as to how it got that nickname?

Today, there are over 296 illuminated sites in Paris, if you count everything from hotels and churches, statues and fountains, national buildings and monuments, and out of 37 major bridges in Paris, an impressive 33 of them are illuminated to full glory each sunset.

The city is especially well illuminated during the festive season, when over 2.4km of lights stretch from the Place de la Concorde right down to the Arc de Triomphe. It’s made even brighter with its 450 decorated trees along the avenue and on the pavement.

However, it’s Paris’s most famous landmark, the glittering Eiffel Tower, that’s mainly to blame for the misinterpretation. The monument shines like a beacon each night with 40km of illuminated garlands made up of 20,000 light bulbs.

How Paris really came to be called ‘The City of Light’

The real reason for the city’s name actually stems from the mid-17th century, when Louis XIV, otherwise known as Louis the Great (Louis le Grand) or the Sun King (Roi Soleil), was on the throne. After a prolonged period of war and domestic civil strife, the king was committed to restoring the public’s faith in law and order.

On March 15, 1667, Louis XIV made Gabriel Nicolas de la Reynie the Lieutenant General of Police, entrusting him with the task of making Paris more safe. In addition to quadrupling the number of policemen in the city, one of the measures was to install more lighting. Lanterns were placed on almost every main street and residents were asked to light their windows with candles and oil lamps. The idea was to prevent lawbreakers from dodging the police or hiding in dark alleys, therefore reducing the crime rate. From here on, the city gained the nickname La Ville-Lumière (‘The City of Light’).

At the time, Paris was one of the first European cities to adopt street lighting, but the nickname really gained the most traction during the Age of Enlightenment that followed.

Whilst some historians date the Age of Enlightenment between 1715 (the year that Louis XIV died) and 1789 (the beginning of the French Revolution), others say the movement was already present in Paris from the 1620s with the start of the scientific revolution.

From the late 18th century to the 19th century, the city of Paris became increasingly known as a centre of education and ideas throughout the whole of Europe, inspiring poets, philosophers, engineers and scientists galore. As well as the gradual increase in wattage, this context of innovation and enlightenment is what helped reinforce the symbolic significance of Paris as ‘The City of Light’.

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/france/paris/articles/real-reason-paris-called-city-lights

Paris - The City of Love

 

Why is Paris the City of Love?

If you walk along the banks of the Seine River, the streets of Montmartre, or around the Eiffel Tower, it is easy to spot couples in love everywhere. After all, Paris, is the  City of Love.

Communication services and tourist agencies carefully maintain the gentle and benevolent image of a Paris City of Love to the point that today Paris is considered one of the top destinations for a romantic getaway or the perfect honeymoon.

Yet a century ago, this radiant reputation of “Paris City of Love” was not that of sincere love but rather that of mercenary love. For it was largely the expansion of the body trade in the 19th century that gave Paris its erotic, later romantic, aura…

How did Paris become the City of Love? Why is Paris romantic?

By the end of the 19th century, Paris established itself as Paris City of Love. At that time, France was under the Third Empire, sideburns were in fashion, and the Parisian society and moral codes were very different from what we know today.

In the Paris of the Third Empire, the married couple was not the place of carnal desire. “If a wife destined to be honest sought to provoke the desire of her husband, she could attract the discontent of him.”

To avoid this unwanted situation, husbands in Paris made extensive use of the ‘asphalteuses,’ ‘lorettes,’ ‘pierreuses’… in other words, prostitutes.  Wives had to be respected and treated like pretty dolls, while the prostitutes or women with a sexual life outside of marriage were the women with whom men experienced sexual pleasure and love passion.

The bourgeois wife had to stay at home and take care of it. At that time, women in Paris could not go to a café or a restaurant alone without risking being considered a “femme de petite vertu” (woman of little virtue). On the other side, it was common to see in these places honest men in the company of courtesans without the need to hide it.

This social phenomenon was similar in other big cities like Berlin or New York, so why is Paris known as the City of Love, instead of Berlin or New York? By the end of the 19th century, the French capital was overcrowded, dingy, dirty, and riddled with disease. Why, Emperor Bonaparte pondered, was it not more like London, with its grand parks and gardens, tree-lined avenues, and modern sewage system? Paris, he declared, needed light, air, clean water, and good sanitation! Napoleon III commissioned Baron Haussmann to clean up and embellish Paris. Haussmann cut a swath through the cramped and chaotic labyrinth of slum streets in Medieval Paris, knocked down 12,000 buildings, cleared space for the Opera Garnier and Les Halles marketplace, and connected the new train terminals with his long, wide, and straight avenues.

The winding and dirty streets of Medieval Paris were home to prostitutes. Chassed from their former territories, a real female migration took place from these districts towards the boulevards of the Madeleine, des Capucines, des Italiens… These women were nicknamed the “asphalteuses” (from “asphalt” or women of the streets).

Just behind these magnificent Grands Boulevards, it was easy to find brothels of all kinds and budgets. Cafés and restaurants were places of culinary tourism as well as important places of prostitution, while balls or café-concerts mingled gallant men and public girls.

Prostitution activity in the Paris of the Third Empire also grew up because there were a large number of single people: migrants, militaries, students, and especially workers. The Haussmann Works were the most extensive public works program ever carried out in a European city, turning Paris into a vast building site for over 17 years. This situation attracted workers from France and Europe who wanted to have fun after their working days. The French Capital was called Paris, the City of Love because it was able to meet this high “love demand.”

How Paris Capital of Prostitution, became Paris the City of Romance? Why is Paris the City of Love today?

The evolution of Parisian women in society has enabled the City of Light to go from the “European brothel” to the romantic city par excellence. Parisian women started to emancipate, and they also populated public places like cafés or restaurants. These women married for love, to men with whom they could live a passion.

The city, with its wide avenues, elegant buildings, and lovely parks, became a muse for many national and international artists. Therefore, all the romanticism and inspiration were somewhat shown in their works.

The attraction of its food, its wine, its champagne, and the atmosphere on the café-terraces and the Belle Epoque brasseries makes Paris the perfect romantic destination of choice for romance. https://worldinparis.com/paris-city-of-love

Why travel insurance?

Purchasing travel insurance for your trips can provide several advantages and benefits, helping to protect you and your investment in various ways. Remember to purchase travel insurance at the time you book a trip.  This avoids insurance company concerns should you need to cancel due to sickness and they argue that it was a pre-existing condition. 

Also ask your travel agent about the best way to calculate travel insurance needs.  If you are responsible for a large group, it is best to divide up the insurance amount the group member ages rather than insurance for a lump sum total.

Here are some key advantages of buying travel insurance:

1. **Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage**:
   - This coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or unexpected events.

2. **Emergency Medical Expenses**:
   - Travel insurance can cover medical expenses incurred due to illness or injury while traveling, including hospital stays, doctor's visits, and prescription medications.

3. **Evacuation and Repatriation**:
   - In the event of a medical emergency, travel insurance can arrange and cover the cost of evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation to your home country.

4. **Baggage and Personal Belongings Coverage**:
   - Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items during your trip.

5. **Travel Delay Coverage**:
   - If your trip is delayed due to reasons like weather, strikes, or mechanical issues, travel insurance can cover additional expenses incurred during the delay, such as meals and accommodations.

6. **Trip Interruption Benefits**:
   - If your trip is interrupted for reasons beyond your control, travel insurance can help cover the cost of returning home and any additional expenses.

7. **Coverage for Missed Connections**:
   - If you miss a connecting flight or cruise due to a covered delay, travel insurance can assist with rebooking and related expenses.

8. **Protection Against Natural Disasters**:
   - Travel insurance can provide coverage if your trip is disrupted or canceled due to natural disasters, like hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires.

9. **Coverage for Terrorism and Political Unrest**:
   - Some policies include coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions caused by terrorism or political unrest at your destination.

10. **Emergency Assistance Services**:
    - Travel insurance often includes 24/7 emergency assistance services, such as a helpline to provide support and guidance in case of emergencies.

11. **Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage**:
    - CFAR is an optional upgrade that allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard policies, providing more flexibility.

12. **Financial Protection**:
    - Travel insurance can help protect your financial investment in your trip, particularly for non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodations, and tours.

13. **Peace of Mind**:
    - Travel insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that you have financial protection and assistance when unexpected events occur during your travels.

It's essential to carefully review the terms, conditions, and coverage limits of any travel insurance policy to ensure it meets your specific needs. Travel insurance can be especially valuable for international trips, cruises, adventure travel, and trips with non-refundable deposits. Before purchasing, consider factors like your health, destination, trip cost, and any existing insurance coverage to determine the right policy for your trip.

Cautions About Your Own Private Venturing When On A Cruise

Exploring ports of call on your own during a cruise can be a rewarding and adventurous experience. However, it's essential to take precautions to ensure your safety and maximize your enjoyment. Here are some cautions and tips to consider when going off on your own at cruise ports:

1. **Research and Plan Ahead**:
   - Research each port of call in advance to understand the local culture, attractions, and safety conditions. Plan your day accordingly, including a rough itinerary and a map of the area.

2. **Know the Ship's Schedule**:
   - Be aware of the ship's departure time from each port and ensure you return well in advance to avoid being left behind.

3. **Carry Identification and Contact Information**:
   - Always carry a photocopy of your passport and other identification in case of loss or theft. Also, have the ship's contact information with you.

4. **Use Reliable Transportation**:
   - If you need transportation in the port, use licensed taxis or reputable ride-sharing services. Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed or unauthorized individuals.

5. **Beware of Scams and Petty Theft**:
   - Be cautious of scams, pickpocketing, and other tourist-targeted crimes. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.

6. **Respect Local Customs and Laws**:
   - Learn about and respect local customs, traditions, and laws. Dress appropriately for cultural expectations and adhere to local regulations.

7. **Stay in Well-Traveled Areas**:
   - Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially if you're exploring at night. Avoid deserted or poorly lit areas.

8. **Stay Hydrated and Use Sun Protection**:
   - Depending on the destination, it can be hot and sunny. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and protect yourself from the sun's rays.

9. **Use Reputable Tour Operators**:
   - If you plan to book excursions or tours independently, choose reputable tour operators with good reviews and safety records.

10. **Communication**:
    - Ensure you have a working phone with an international plan or a local SIM card to stay connected. Let someone know your plans and whereabouts.

11. **Language Barriers**:
    - Learn a few basic phrases in the local language or have a translation app handy to assist with communication.

12. **Currency and Payment**:
    - Have local currency on hand for small purchases, and be cautious when using credit cards to avoid potential fraud.

13. **Food and Water Safety**:
    - Be mindful of what you eat and drink to avoid foodborne illnesses. Stick to reputable restaurants and drink bottled water when necessary.

14. **Responsible Souvenir Shopping**:
    - Be aware of regulations regarding the purchase and export of souvenirs made from protected or endangered species. Avoid contributing to illegal wildlife trade.

15. **Emergency Contact Information**:
    - Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including the nearest embassy or consulate, local authorities, and the cruise ship's contact information.

By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can enjoy your adventures in cruise ports of call while minimizing risks and ensuring a safe and memorable experience.