http://storify.com/jaldous/the-louvre-all-the-paintings ( )

I've always wanted to visit the Louvre and Paris but unfortunately I doubt that will ever happen so being able to see all the paintings in this beautiful book, gave me the opportunity to see what I'm missing. I was surprised at the volume of paintings that were of a religious nature- so many Madonna and Child, Crucifixions, and others but also the number of portraits. I expected more landscapes and still lifes as well. All in all, a beautiful experience of viewing the works of great masters of art. ( )

The Louvre: All the Paintings
By: Erich Lessing, Loyrette Henri, Vincent Pomarède, Anja Grebe

When I saw this book and with a DVD-ROM included in the Amazon Vine program, I jumped on it immediately. Our family travel plans have us scheduled in 2012 to visit the wonderful city of Paris, France and knowing the Louvre was Number 1 on our list of places to visit, the record of every painting was too good to resist.

This 766 page volume is broken down into four sections: The Italian School, The Northern Schools, The French School, and The Spanish School. The indexes also catalog by The Artists, The Art Works, and The Painting Galleries of the Louvre. You can locate your favorite artists and each of their paintings and where to find them. Oh course, everyone wants to see "The Mona Lisa" which is on page 68 and located in Denon, Floor 1, Room 6.

With 3,022 paintings on display in the permanent collection, this book (endorsed by the Louvre) made it possible for each family member to view their favorite art work and make plans for our actual visit.

My thanks go out to the world's most visited museum for allowing this historical publication and to the photography of Erich Lessing for bringing these spectacular art works to the public.

My collection of art books was greatly enhanced with the acquisition of this remarkable book. Buy this book and you will not be disappointed. ( )