Sully Wing

Sully Wing. The Sully Wing is a major component of the Musée du Louvre in Paris, forming the oldest part of the palace structure. It is named for Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, a minister to King Henry IV of France. The wing houses some of the museum's most significant antiquities collections and provides access to the medieval foundations of the original fortress.

History

The core of the structure dates to the late 12th century, when King Philip II of France constructed the Louvre Castle, a formidable fortress whose foundations and moat are preserved within its lower levels. Under Francis I of France, the medieval fortress began its transformation into a Renaissance palace, a project continued by subsequent monarchs including Henry IV of France and Louis XIII of France. The wing's current classical appearance is largely the result of expansions and renovations overseen by architects like Pierre Lescot and later during the ambitious building campaigns of Louis XIV of France. Following the relocation of the royal court to the Palace of Versailles, the building entered a period of varied use before becoming a central part of the public museum established after the French Revolution.

Architecture and design

The architecture of the wing is a palimpsest of French design history, showcasing elements from its medieval origins to classical renovations. The Cour Carrée, which the Sully Wing helps to enclose, is a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, with its facades designed by Pierre Lescot and sculptural work by Jean Goujon. The interior spaces, such as the Salle des Caryatides, feature elaborate Mannerist detailing. The wing's structure was integrated into the broader Grand Louvre project masterminded by President François Mitterrand, which included the addition of the iconic Louvre Pyramid designed by architect I. M. Pei.

Collections and exhibitions

The wing is primarily dedicated to the museum's vast antiquities departments. It houses the comprehensive Department of Egyptian Antiquities of the Louvre, featuring artifacts from the Predynastic period through the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Furthermore, it contains the Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, which includes celebrated works from ancient Cycladic, Hellenistic, and Roman cultures. The collections are presented in a chronological and thematic journey, with galleries dedicated to specific civilizations such as the Achaemenid Empire and the Art of ancient Egypt.

Role within the Louvre Museum

The Sully Wing serves as both a historical anchor and a critical circulatory hub within the museum's layout. It provides direct access to the other two main wings, the Denon Wing and the Richelieu Wing, facilitating visitor flow. The wing is essential for understanding the evolution of the Louvre Palace from a defensive structure to a royal residence and finally a civic institution. It also houses important museum support functions, including research libraries and conservation studios that serve the various curatorial departments.

Notable features and artworks

Among its countless treasures, the wing contains several of the Louvre's most iconic masterpieces. This includes the famed Seated Scribe and the colossal Great Sphinx of Tanis within the Egyptian galleries. The Greek antiquities section is home to the renowned Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, though the latter is now displayed in the Denon Wing. Other significant works include the Code of Hammurabi stele, the Apollo of Piombino, and extensive collections of Greek vase painting and Roman sculpture. The medieval moat display, known as the Salle de la Maquette, offers a unique glimpse into the site's earliest history.