The Louvre played a major role in normalizing several forms of racism and essentialism still haunting art museums today. Obviously, others have also perpetrated harm but it can’t be avoided that the Louvre led the way and set the bar. Instead of white, fragile responses defending the Louvre as a product of its time, it’s time to atone, move on, move forward, and evolve. How can any discipline take itself seriously when it clings so ardently to 18th century ideas? It’s time to release the grip of the Louvre’s 1794 hanging. Comprehensives is overrated. The quest for the best in every category can no longer define progress. It is time to embrace new vistas, new hangings, new goals that actually honor the motto Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité. {read}
