The upcoming exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi explores the connection between luxury, art and history.
10,000 Years of Luxury – running from 30th October to 18th February 2020 takes a deeper look on the role played by luxury from the olden times to present day.
Visitors will get to access luxury fashion, jewellery, visual art, furniture and design with masterpieces from the collections of international institutions and brands.
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Just some of the highlights among the 350 object on display include the oldest pearl in the world, the renowned Boscoreale Treasure – one of the largest collections of silverware preserved from Roman antiquity – and dresses and jewellery from design houses such as Cartier, Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, CHANEL, Christian Dior, ELIE SAAB and Yves Saint Laurent.
Olivier Gabet, Director of Musée des Arts Décoratifs, curates this unique exhibit.
The exhibition draws primarily from the collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and other French, international and local institutions.
It also displays works from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection and offers a rare chance to evaluate our ever-changing fascination with luxury.
The exhibition opens with two landmark pieces illustrating the history of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Pearl, the oldest pearl in the world, dating back to 5,800 – 5,600 BCE, discovered on Marawah Island, Abu Dhabi in 2017 and lent by the collection of Zayed National Museum; and an antique natural pearl necklace for Arab diva Umm Kulthum loaned from the collection of Zayed National Museum.
Other items worth seeing include the Egyptian gold Necklace with Fish Pendants (ca. 1550-1069 BCE) and a skilful Cameo Depicting Tiberius and Caligula believed to be produced in Rome between 31-37.
A 15th century Fragment of Velvet from Italy includes exotic silk and gold thread and depicts patterns of curling stems and flowers inherited from Ottoman decoration.
Meanwhile, a 16th century Shell Spoon from Germany would have been of particular value, with the extremely rare shell bowl originating from the coast of West Africa.
The exhibit will also feature related events such as talks, pop up performances, discussion about the pearl’s discover and screening of the Image Nation documentary, History of the Emirates.
“Luxury is a multifaceted idea, and defining what makes an object precious is an intriguing task,” said Dr Souraya Noujaim, Scientific, Curatorial and Collections Management Director at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
“This exhibition challenges preconceived notions with a scientific approach that goes beyond the tangible materials, techniques or value of objects and considers luxury as a feeling, a desire or a freedom to enjoy.”
For more information and tickets, visit: louvreabudhabi.ae
Don’t forget to visit Yas Mega Mela taking place from 31st October until 02nd November happening on DU Arena, Yas Island.
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