Did Somebody Say Dog

This is the second post, possibly the last from Paris, as Dan and I are returning to Bonn on Saturday... so hold on to your pants!!!

Today I thought I'd visit the Louvre, seeing as last year I opted for the Musee D'Orsay instead, and I haven't seen the Mona Lisa since 2003. Could somebody please explain to me why this painting is so darn popular? There were hordes and hordes of people trying to get a good long look at it. Yet there are so many other spectacular works in the museum, with maybe 5 percent the number of devoted visitors...

Like some of the works below! This first one is actually just kitty corner from the Mona Lisa. It's in the same room! Can you believe it? I spent the day looking for any dog images in the artwork, and to my surprise, I found dogs everywhere. I found them in French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch paintings. I saw them with Jesus, the Apostles, Kings, Queens, and countrymen. Have a look...

Please note that this first painting circa 1548 by Jacopo Bassano is the first recorded animal portrait of Occidental painting.
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And just in case you've made it down this far, I know some of you may not be quite as into Dog Art as others, here are some photos of me at the Museum...