A news item, a work of art: Tiepolo's Carnival Scene, or Minuet, at the Musée du Louvre

When you hear the words: costumes, music, parties... You're thinking Carnival, of course! This ancient celebration has had many meanings, and many origins, depending on the country and the era. Usually held in February or March, Carnival brings children and adults together in the streets of the city, for a festive parade that's much appreciated by the public.

In Paris and the Île-de-France region, several events take place during the winter, from the Paris Carnival to the Women's Carnival, as well as smaller-scale celebrations.

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This ancient festival livens up the beginning of the year... And inspires many artists. Sculptures, paintings, photographs, drawings, engravings: the subject has been taken up by various creators over the centuries.

Italy, too, is famous for its carnivals and their costumes: no wonder, then, that this festival was immortalized by the painter Giandomenico Tiepolo. In 1754, the artist painted Scène de Carnaval, or Le Menuet, a picture now on display at the Musée du Louvre, on level 1 of the Denon wing.

• To be read
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• Free museums and monuments on Sundays: places to visit in Paris on March 2, 2025
• Free Museums and Monuments to visit in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, good ideas for outings

This rococo-style painting depicts a scene of jubilation during Carnival in Venice: many people, masked or disguised as commedia dell'arte characters , are dancing or admiring the festive entertainment. The colors, the expressions and movements of the characters depicted, the construction of the painting: all these elements make this painting considered one of the masterpieces of the Italian classical period.

Here's a new excuse to go to the museum, and enjoy the masterpieces on offer: this Carnival season, head to the Louvre to admire Scène de Carnaval, or Le Menuet, by Giandomenico Tiepolo!

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