“My waist used to be as small as hers,” jokes the tour guide as the room erupted in laughter. She was referring to the Female Statuette Known as the Lady of Luxerre; just one of the numerous pieces of art in “The Louvre and the Masterpiece” at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. This piece of art crafted in the 7th century B.C. in Crete, Greece, was once used as a prop in a play and a hat stand. It wasn’t until later that currators learned how valuable the piece of artwork was.
      One of the most striking images in the exhibit is Pandemonium. As you enter the last section of the exhibit, this huge, red and orange painting with a six inch thick gold frame stares back at you. It is representative of good vs. evil where the light represents the army approaching to battle Satan, and the frame is covered in dragons and snakes.
      Other artworks include The Astronomer by Johannes Vermeer which was allowed to go to the U.S. for the first time, and Christ Carrying the Cross by Lorenzo Lotto which was painted in 1526.

      If you’re wondering if the Mona Lisa was there, no. The painting was in the United States in 1962, and after that, she hasn’t left France. The Louvre decided that she won’t leave her homeland again. She’s meant to stay in Paris.
      To ensure the quality of the art work, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts had to sign a contract that they would install sliding glass doors that can only open every ten minutes. If they didn’t, we wouldn’t have the amazing opportunity to see the artworks that are present for us today.
      To reserve tickets for the exhibit visit www.artsmia.org. It’s $16 for adults on weekends, $14 for adults on weekdays, $12 dollars for students, and free if you’re a member. The exhibit will be at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts until January 10, 2010. Call (612) 870-6323 to reserve your tickets today!