Lipstick and lashes at the Louvre

The Musée du Louvre, bastion of fine classical works and home to many masterpieces, has moved into make-up in a big way. The French beauty brand Lancôme has joined forces with the prestigious Parisian museum “in an unprecedented collaboration”, according to a gushing museum statement. It continues: “Inspired by nine masterpieces of sculpture, and by the lights and colours of the museum, Lancôme has created a new skincare and make-up collection: Lancôme x Louvre.” Lancôme drew inspiration from celebrated works such as the Venus de Milo, the second-century BC Winged Victory of Samothrace and the ancient Roman sculpture, Sleeping Hermaphrodite, launching a lavish campaign at the museum featuring brand “faces” such as the actor Zendaya. “The history of art and beauty, the ‘making’ of beauty, the quest for beauty, are intimately linked,” says the Louvre director Laurence des Cars. What next, mascara ads at the Met and brow pens at the British Museum?