Louvre and L’Oréal Explore the Timeless Beauty of Humanity Through Art
PARIS — In an innovative partnership that bridges centuries of artistry with contemporary beauty standards, L’Oréal has collaborated with the Louvre Museum to launch a new route entitled “De Toutes Beautés!” ("Of All Beauties!"). This remarkable initiative, opening to the public on Wednesday, invites visitors to explore over 10,000 years of human beauty as expressed through art from cultures around the globe.
The partnership draws on the shared belief that beauty is a fundamental aspect of human existence. “The whole idea behind this partnership was a shared passion for what is beautiful,” said L’Oréal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus. He highlighted beauty as a "revelator of society," echoing the biblical notion that human creativity reflects divine inspiration. In Genesis, we read, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31, NIV), a reminder that beauty is rooted in the very fabric of creation.
Curated from a vast collection, the exhibit encompasses 108 works, including 44 major pieces, representing a walk through history and culture, with stops that span from ancient Greece to the Middle East and beyond. This experiential journey not only showcases the art itself but also positions beauty as a dynamic force that has shaped human identity through time. As Laurence des Cars, president of the Louvre, stated, “Beauty is never anything static or immutable, and continues reinventing itself over time.”
The aim of this collaboration extends beyond mere aesthetics; it endeavors to illuminate the essence of beauty and its significance in society. Echoing the words of Jesus, who emphasized the heart’s intentions in Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” — the exhibit encourages visitors to recognize not just the art, but the deeper values it represents.
Highlighted within the exhibit are diverse artifacts that reflect beauty’s evolving nature. From ancient cosmetics used in daily life to portraits that challenge societal norms, such as Marie-Guilhelmine Benoist’s “Presumed Portrait of Madeline,” art transcends mere decoration and becomes a commentary on culture and identity. Blanca Juti, L’Oréal’s chief corporate affairs officer, remarked that beauty “is both individual self-expression as well as taking care of yourself, which gives confidence.” This resonates with the Christian view of intrinsic worth and the affirmation of individual identity.
As attendees stroll through the Louvre’s halls, they can utilize a specially designed application to navigate the exhibit, showcasing an engaging blend of technology and tradition. The partnership aims not only to attract a younger audience but also to enhance the educational aspect of beauty’s historical significance.
The journey of discovery encapsulated in “Of All Beauties!” will remain open until at least March 2027, ensuring that a broad audience can engage with this multi-faceted exploration of beauty across ages. Reflecting on the significance of beauty in both art and life invites us to consider the deeper spiritual truths underlying our perceptions. As the exhibit unfolds, we are reminded that beauty is a universal language transcending cultural boundaries, much like the Gospel message which embodies love and acceptance.
As we contemplate the interplay of beauty, art, and humanity, may we be inspired to recognize the divine fingerprints in all that is beautiful. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV). Let this exhibition serve as a prompt for introspection on how we celebrate our own beauty and the beauty inherent in the world around us, encouraging us to shine with the light of compassion and creativity that reflects our Creator’s love.
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