We got into the Louvre when it opened, rushed to the Mona Lisa and there were only about 50 or so people crowded in front of her, making it easy to get up to the rope to get the closest view possible. The Mona Lisa is the perfect portrait of the perfect model in the perfect pose. She is like a self portrait of how everyone would like to see themselves, and the reflections in the multiple layers of glass protecting the Mona Lisa adds to the sense of the portrait as a reflection of our own portraits.
After three hours in the Louvre we had browsed the entire Italian and Spanish painters wing and then went through the exhibit on Egyptian art and culture. In the Spanish sections, there was a small exhibit of plates by Goya, where I got the photo of the woman looking out the window that almost matched Goya’s woman on a horse.
One thing really nice about our apartment being so close to the Louvre is that we go back to the apartment and fix lunch before we go out again. Laurie made crepes for lunch that were wonderful, and then we strolled through the Tuileries on our way to the Musée l’Orangerie where they have expressionist paintings by Cézanne, Renior, Monet, Picaso, Rousseau, etc. Along the way we saw goats mowing a moat, a teenage bird bigger than its mother still asking her to feed it, duckings napping, flowers starting to bloom, iris and a few roses.
Off Center & Not Even 
Only 50 people in front of the Mona Lisa!? It’s such a small painting… It seems like a lot of people, but I saw your other photo, so I understand the ‘only 50 people’. 😉
It’s small, but very popular!
Yes, I know. Never seen it at the Louvre since I’ve never been there… Maybe someday I will see it in real life too… 😉
Wow. you did a great job. Yes. I agree, it is surprisingly small and it’s seen thru 2 layers of glass (or plexiglass or whatever) so glare is an issue and the throngs are unruly too. Excellent!!! Way to be a tall, excellent, well equiped photographer!
I loved the contrast of the two photos of the Mona Lisa – I agree, way to be tall and get the perspective of the shot… Have seen photos of her before but your, with the stories are the ones I’ll remember. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Guy. We were talking about how it’s kind of silly how everyone wants to get up and photograph the Mona Lisa, but it’s also part of her charm. She one superstar who is always there to be admired and photographed.
Wow! You did it! It’s a great photo of the Mona Lisa. I’m glad you got there early and were able to get up close and were ready. Great job, Tim!
Thanks, Juanita!
When you saw the mona lisa, did you try the stand everywhere thing to see if she is still staring at you?!
It works. The painting is amazing. A guard let me in after everyone left to get up close and personal photos of her one night when the Lourve was closing. That was cool and very nice of the guard.
Aw, haha! There are lots of theories on it… like if he painted himself as a female?! Yes indeed I was wondering how you got this with 50 people in the room! Great shot. 🙂