Treasures of Oriental Antiquity from the Met Illuminate the Louvre

Mise à jour 21 mai 2024 par Redak

In an unprecedented burst of cultural collaboration, the Louvre museum is preparing to welcome a selection of major works from the collections oforiental antiquities from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (Met). This initiative, the result of a unique opportunity linked to the temporary closure of the Met for renovation, promises to offer the public an enriching experience until September 2025.

The heart of this exhibition lies in the highlighting of ten exceptional pieces, dating from the end of the 4th millennium BC to 5th century CE. These treasures, silent witnesses to ancient civilizations, will be exhibited from Thursday, offering visitors a fascinating dive into the history of art of the ancient Near East.

Ariane Thomas And Kim Benzel, respective curators of the Louvre and the Met, jointly orchestrated this exhibition. They underline the importance of these works in the in-depth understanding of the permanent collections of the Louvre, enriched by these distinguished guests. Indeed, the integration of these pieces makes it possible to establish new correspondences between the objects, thus enriching the historical and artistic narrative of each collection.

The exhibition promises surprising discoveries, as illustrated by the example of a Mesopotamian fragment preserved at the Louvre, key to attributing and dating a mysterious head from the Met. This interaction between pieces from the two museums reveals new information, allowing a better understanding of the works and their historical context.

Among the highlights, a collection of Mesopotamian goldwork stands out, described by the curators as one of the rare testimonies of this art in the region. This re-evaluation of the pieces, long mistakenly considered a necklace, reveals a complex history of reuse and spiritual meaning, highlighting the richness and diversity of artistic practices of the period.

This collaboration between the Louvre and the Met, beyond its exceptional appearance during the latter’s renovation period, is part of a preparatory stage for the design of a new presentation of oriental antiquities at the Met, planned for the end of 2026 This partnership not only marks a significant moment for the international museum community but also opens the way to new perspectives in the promotion and understanding of oriental antiquities.

In conclusion, this exhibition is an invitation to rediscover the Louvre collections in a new light, enriched by the significant loan from the Met. It offers a unique opportunity to travel in time and space, from Iran to Mesopotamia, through works of inestimable value, witnesses to the civilizations that have shaped our common history.

To reserve your tickets, click HERE

Cyril CH

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