The Sky Over the Louvre

These past few years, graphic novels have gained in popularity and legitimacy, and today I am reviewing a particularly artistic example of the format. The Sky Over the Louvre, by Bernard Yslaire and Jean-Claude Carriere, uses a blend of words and gorgeous art to depict the history of the Louvre museum (and is co-published by the same). The origin of the museum goes back to the French Revolution, Robespierre, and all those other names from your high school history class.

The book explores the philosophical, political, and social changes occurring in France at the time through the lens of an artist trying to paint images that will symbolize the Revolution. An angelic young man, Jules, arrives in Paris and meets the great painter Jacques-Louis David, who has been commissioned by Robespierre to create a painting of the Supreme Being. It is supposed to replace the Christian religion that gave the monarchy the right to rule. But David is captivated by the young man and wants to create his individual masterwork using Jules as a model, not paint what the government orders him to paint. What kind of painting will he create? And what will be the consequences of his actions?

This graphic novel is a wonderful, smart blend of history, art, and storytelling. Think comics are just for kids who can't read real books? Think again. The Sky Over the Louvre is a prime example of images and story weaved together to create a compelling, sophisticated piece of art.