emirates7 - Louvre Abu Dhabi has introduced new loans and acquisitions, many of which are being displayed in the region for the first time, further enriching the museum's narrative on human creativity.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, emphasized the museum's dedication to maintaining a diverse collection. He stated, "Our mission is to showcase the rich tapestry of human history across various cultures. By regularly incorporating new artworks, we continuously expand our permanent collection, enhancing the visitor experience."
New Acquisitions
A Candlestick from Iraq: This brass candlestick, inlaid with gold and silver, hails from 13th-century Iraq and is a stunning example of medieval Islamic metalwork. It demonstrates the intricate craftsmanship and cultural wealth of the era.
An Astronomy Tool: A large Arabic astrolabe quadrant, dating back to the 15th or 16th century from Maghreb or Syria, was used for astronomical measurements and navigation, particularly to determine prayer times. This piece highlights the advanced scientific knowledge and craftsmanship of its time.
A Stool from Ghana: The Asante Stool of the Queen Mother from 19th-century Ghana represents the rich heritage and artistry of the Asante people. Made of wood and adorned with silver, this stool symbolizes the Queen Mother's significant role in governance and as a community leader, reflecting the social and artistic traditions of the time.
New Works on Loan
The museum’s collection has been further enhanced by significant loans from partner museums and cultural institutions. Among the notable contributions from the Musée du Louvre are:
Rembrandt’s "The Philosopher in Contemplation": Painted in 1632, this work captures deep human introspection through a dramatic play of light and shadow.
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin’s "Young Draughtsman Sharpening his Pencil": This piece, on loan from the Musée du Louvre’s Department of Paintings, depicts a moment of focused preparation in a calm, intimate setting.
Other loans include two monumental statues: the Colossal Statue of Isis from the Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, and the Statue of Mercury from the Musée du Louvre's Sculptures Department, both of which are now displayed in the museum's vestibules.
Additionally, a small silver bronze sculpture, "The Death of Ailly" (1800 — 1900) by French sculptor Jean François Théodore Gechter, is also on loan from the Musée du Louvre.
Dr. Guilhem André, Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, remarked that the new loans and acquisitions significantly enhance the diversity of the museum’s collection, each piece contributing uniquely to the museum’s universal narrative.
Upcoming Displays
Later this year, Louvre Abu Dhabi will present more acquisitions and loans, featuring ancient, modern, and contemporary masterpieces. Among these will be a Hispano-Moresque earthenware charger and a Limoges enamel charger. A particularly notable loan from the Musée du Louvre is the Pyxis in the name of Al-Mughira**, an exquisite ivory container from 968 CE, which will be showcased in the UAE for the first time.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, emphasized the museum's dedication to maintaining a diverse collection. He stated, "Our mission is to showcase the rich tapestry of human history across various cultures. By regularly incorporating new artworks, we continuously expand our permanent collection, enhancing the visitor experience."
New Acquisitions
A Candlestick from Iraq: This brass candlestick, inlaid with gold and silver, hails from 13th-century Iraq and is a stunning example of medieval Islamic metalwork. It demonstrates the intricate craftsmanship and cultural wealth of the era.
An Astronomy Tool: A large Arabic astrolabe quadrant, dating back to the 15th or 16th century from Maghreb or Syria, was used for astronomical measurements and navigation, particularly to determine prayer times. This piece highlights the advanced scientific knowledge and craftsmanship of its time.
A Stool from Ghana: The Asante Stool of the Queen Mother from 19th-century Ghana represents the rich heritage and artistry of the Asante people. Made of wood and adorned with silver, this stool symbolizes the Queen Mother's significant role in governance and as a community leader, reflecting the social and artistic traditions of the time.
New Works on Loan
The museum’s collection has been further enhanced by significant loans from partner museums and cultural institutions. Among the notable contributions from the Musée du Louvre are:
Rembrandt’s "The Philosopher in Contemplation": Painted in 1632, this work captures deep human introspection through a dramatic play of light and shadow.
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin’s "Young Draughtsman Sharpening his Pencil": This piece, on loan from the Musée du Louvre’s Department of Paintings, depicts a moment of focused preparation in a calm, intimate setting.
Other loans include two monumental statues: the Colossal Statue of Isis from the Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, and the Statue of Mercury from the Musée du Louvre's Sculptures Department, both of which are now displayed in the museum's vestibules.
Additionally, a small silver bronze sculpture, "The Death of Ailly" (1800 — 1900) by French sculptor Jean François Théodore Gechter, is also on loan from the Musée du Louvre.
Dr. Guilhem André, Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, remarked that the new loans and acquisitions significantly enhance the diversity of the museum’s collection, each piece contributing uniquely to the museum’s universal narrative.
Upcoming Displays
Later this year, Louvre Abu Dhabi will present more acquisitions and loans, featuring ancient, modern, and contemporary masterpieces. Among these will be a Hispano-Moresque earthenware charger and a Limoges enamel charger. A particularly notable loan from the Musée du Louvre is the Pyxis in the name of Al-Mughira**, an exquisite ivory container from 968 CE, which will be showcased in the UAE for the first time.