Lamassu statues at the Louvre, Paris ()
These huge protective creatures are worthy of a place in Harry Potter’s wizarding world. With bull bodies, eagle wings and human faces of Sargon II, these massive statues are a wonder. They were built to protect the ancient unfinished Assyrian city of Khorsabad.
Room 229, Richelieu wing
Look closely at the details of these backgammon pawns and you will see some wild creatures. Carved in walrus ivory, these medieval German game pieces have men riding bearded fish, griffons attacking boars and a centaur shooting a bow.
Room 502, Richelieu wing
More cute than creepy, this Egyptian hippo was found in an ancient tomb in Thebes. It was hand-shaped with earthenware and glazed bright blue before being fired in a kiln. This fun little gal is also covered in plant tattoos.
Room 636, Sully wing
They say it is a lion, but the fancy tail and, well, what looks like a mustache, make this bronze piece a fun find. It was uncovered in a Spanish castle ruin from the 11th-century Caliphate of Córdoba. Why it has its mouth open is a mystery, but it is said to be an automaton.
Room 185, Denon wing
Why is Cupid trying to pull the centaur’s hair? The half-horse, half-man on this Imperial Roman marble statue looks like he got saddled with babysitting duty and isn’t pleased. He just wants to keep his beard tidy.
Room 348, Sully wing
There are plenty of artworks depicting St. George’s famous slaying of the dragon but visit the anonymous painting of the German School of Art for a truly odd dragon. With webbed feet, odd mammal body and nearly human face, it looks like Gollum sprouted wings.
Room 819, Richelieu wing
Outside in the sculpture garden is a monumental bust of the French writer Charles Perrault in his magnificent bourgeois wig. At his ‘feet’ le chat botté does not want to dance with the girls. His fabulous, feathered hat, blowing cape and precious pirate boots may get dirty.
Jardin des Tuileries
