Sculptures Of The Louvre (Koch Vision)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: D     Episodes: B

 

 

The Louvre is one of the most important museums in the world for classical art.  Many books, programs and now even websites have tried to capture what it is that makes its treasures so unique.  Sculptures Of The Louvre is a 7-part series highlighting masterpieces of sculpture on exhibit at the famed locale.  This TV series explains the historical context of everything it discussed and tapes as a way to make these classics more accessible to viewers.  The installments are as follows:

 

Slaves of Michelangelo
In 1513 Michelangelo began work on two male figures for the Mausoleum of Pope Julian II in St. Peter’s Rome, but they were never finished.  This installment tries to understand the works as well as the artist by a deeper look at what remains.

 

The Horses of Marly
The two sculptures here were made by Royal command 40 years apart from each other for the Chateau of Marly.  What a difference 40 years make.

 

The Vénus de Milo
Perhaps the most famous of all Greek classical sculptures, the Vénus de Milo was recovered in 1820.  This installment tells us more about this iconic work and what we surprisingly do not know of it.

 

Bulls of Khorsabad
The Winged Bulls of King Sargon II from 1900 BC are masterpieces of Assyrian art, at the top of the list of many an expert.  See why.

 

Cupid and Psyché
At the end of the 18th Century the great Italian sculptor Antonio Canova brought back life to this ancient legend.  They have been with us ever since.

 

Ramses II
Discovered at the ancient Egyptian site of Tanis, this statue is one of the most famous of all Egyptian royal sculptures, though debate rages about the true subject not unlike The Mona Lisa.

 

Mary Magdalene
This very popular work literally from the Middle Ages represents many things, including the redemption of the female sinner, but that’s just for starters.

 

 

All in all, the facts and images outweigh any speculation, but that they know this much is amazing.  Anyone interested in the Louvre or such art will enjoy starting here with this impressive set that has aged well enough.

 

The letterboxed 1.78 X 1 image is not bad, but the softness throughout is unfortunate because at this point, one expects a sharper, clearer image when seeing this aspect ratio.  Too bad this is not anamorphically enhanced, but these were made in the mid-1990s before HD really kicked in.  Would such an enhancement introduce artifacts?  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is simple without surrounds, but nicely recorded with pleasant background music.  There are no extras, but Sculptures Of The Louvre is a solid set worth a good look.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo