Discuss the ways in which the Louvre functions as a Universal Survey Museum.

The Louvre is undoubtedly the oldest example of the Universal Survey Museum. With it's routes in the French Revolution, it’s aim was always to display the wealth of the nation whilst educating the public in the history of art. The museum’s history is long and complex, with each political era impressing it’s values onto the museum in order to make certain statements. I shall examine whether or not these changes have effected the basic functions of the Louvre as a Universal Survey Museum. Although the Louvre provided the prototype for the public art gallery, other examples of the type have emerged throughout Europe and America over time, and the Universal Survey Museum has become an essential part to any large city. Is the Louvre still in line with these museums in terms of its aims and iconographic program? As the biggest and best art museum of its type today, how comprehensive is the collection in reality, and what does this mean for the museum? Beyond this, what does t...