Jordan, Ain Ghazal
About 6500 BCE
Plaster, bitumen (eyes)
Department of Antiquities of Jordan
Ancient Statue This statue is probably one of the earliest large-scale representations of human figures ever created.
Special Place and Meaning It was most likely made to stand in a specific spot, and it may represent important ancestors or deities.
Oxus civilisation, Central Asia, Bactria
2300–1700 BCE
Chlorite, calcite
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Kaunakes Dress The puffy dress worn by this female statuette is called a Kaunakes; it is made of wool and features a unique pattern of overlapping diamond shapes.
Mystery Figure The female figure could represent a deity, but we still do not know for certain.
Cyprus
2300–1900 BCE
Polished and incised terracotta
Geometric Design This ancient statuette represents human figures in a geometric style. Note the two faces, with perforated noses and dot-like eyes, showcasing early artistic techniques.
Patterns Tell Stories The patterns on the front show what appear to be a belt and a necklace, while the zigzag pattern on the back might represent hair. These details provide clues to how people dressed long ago.
Jomon culture, Japan, North Kanto
3500–2500 BCE
Terracotta
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Creative Techniques To decorate this jar, potters added patterns by pressing fine cords into the soft clay and using other tools. These jars were fired in outdoor pits with wood as fuel.
Mysterious Motifs The decorations could represent clouds, water, and fire elements possibly linked to ancient myths and beliefs. What do you think people cooked in this jar?
Egyptian civilisation, Egypt, Tanis
1279–1213 BCE
Diorite
Musée du Louvre
Great Pharaoh Ramesses II was a remarkable Egyptian pharaoh known for his long reign filled with peace and prosperity, as well as for building and restoring many impressive temples.
Majestic Attire In this depiction, he has a nemes headdress and a false beard, symbols of power worn only by Egyptian deities and kings. This shows his royal status.
Neo-Sumerian kingdom, Iraq, Girsu (modern Tello)
About 2120 BCE
Black stone
Musée du Louvre
Ancient King Gudea was the king of Lagash, an ancient kingdom that existed around 5,000 years ago. He was known as a wise and just ruler.
Symbol of Piety He is depicted barefoot, without weapons or jewellery, to show his humility and his devotion to the deities he worships.
Iran, Luristan
1000–700 BCE
Bronze
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Symbol of Power Have you spotted the two decorative lions on the handle? They symbolize the power and prestige of the owner.
Ceremonial Use Although it is a weapon, its small size suggests it was more likely to have been used as a ceremonial item rather than in battle.
Sumerian civilization, Iraq or Syria
2400–2300 BCE
Gypsum
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Praying Position We can tell this man is probably praying by the way his arms are positioned on his chest, showing a deep sense of devotion.
Missing Eyes His wide, recessed eyes were likely inlaid with shiny shells or lapis lazuli, giving him a striking and expressive gaze.
Warring States period, Northern China
475–221 BCE
Bronze
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Lucky Dragon In China, the dragon is a mythical creature that symbolizes good fortune and has control over water.
Animal Inspiration The dragon’s body is made up of parts from various animals such as an alligator, a type of cat, an ox, a bird, a stag, and a snake. Can you spot these different body parts in the design?
Roman empire, Italy
100–150 CE
Marble
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Status Symbol Toga: We can tell that this man was probably of high rank or very wealthy by the garment he is wearing - a toga.
Impressive Length The toga is an impressive 6-metre-long garment, and assistance was required to ensure that all the folds were perfect!
Greek civilisation, Greece or Italy
600–500 BCE
Limestone
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Mythical Hybrid This mythical creature has the head of a young woman, the body of a lion, and the wings of a bird of prey, creating a fascinating combination of features.
Emotional Expression Can you tell what she is feeling by looking at her face? She appears to be happy and smiling, and conveys a sense of joy.
Achaemenid empire, Iran, Susa
About 510 BCE
Glazed brick
Musée du Louvre
Armed Archer This guard is an archer, and in addition to his bow and arrow quiver, he holds a spear to show that he is ready for duty.
Colourful Attire Although he might look ready to fight, his vibrant tunic and patterned hat add a striking touch to his appearance.
Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517), Egypt or Syria
1351–1358
Enamelled glass
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Hanging Design The rings attached to the belly of the lamp were originally used to suspend it from the ceiling. It was designed to illuminate the interior of a religious building.
Shifting Shadows Can you imagine the beautiful shadows cast when the lamp is lit?
Italian peninsula, San Marino, Domagnano
450–500 CE
Gold, garnet
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Symbol of Power This precious fibula brooch symbolizes power in the form of an eagle, the emblem of the Roman Empire.
Intricate Inlay More than 20 semi-precious stones and materials are inlaid in the gold, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Timurid dynasty, Iran or Central Asia
1300–1400
Glazed earthenware mosaic
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Striking Contrast Note the light and dark blue background that contrasts beautifully with the white calligraphic inscriptions to create a stunning visual effect.
Thuluth Script The fluid lines of Thuluth script allowed for exaggerated and intertwining words, making it a popular choice for architectural inscriptions.
Tang dynasty, China
700–800
Ceramic glaze
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Horses in Tang Society Horses were essential animals in Tang society, playing key roles in both military operations and artistic representations.
Polo Players Look closely at the green discs adorning the horse. They feature images of female polo players, highlighting the popularity of the game among the aristocracy at the Tang court.
Yuan dynasty, China, Inner Mongolia (?)
1200–1300
Gold
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Dragon-Handled bowl This bowl has a small but detailed handle featuring a dragon, a symbol of wealth among the Mongol elite.
Tang dynasty, China, from the Shoso-in collection (?), Japan
700–800
Wood, tortoiseshell, mother-of-pearl, amber
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Mirror Case The size and shape of the box suggest it once contained an opulent bronze mirror.
Diplomatic Gift This box was probably a diplomatic gift exchanged between China and Japan made from luxurious materials.
Iran
1100–1300
Ceramic with painted underglaze, openwork
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Rooster Features The design on this ewer includes parts of a rooster. Note the beak and the crest on top of its head.
Creative Handle The handle resembles a rooster’s feathered tail.
Southern Spain or southern Italy
1000–1200
Bronze
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Acoustic Automaton This lion was probably an automaton that roared like a wild beast through a tube connected to its mouth.
Masterpiece of Islamic Art It is a remarkable example of Islamic art, and was most likely owned by a wealthy ruler.
Umayyad dynasty, Spain, Cordoba, Madinat al-Zahra (?)
900–1000
Marble
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Piece of a Palace This small panel was probably part of the grand palace in the city of Madinat al-Zahra.
Symmetrical Design Note the perfect symmetry of the decorations on the slender tree trunk and the interlaced branches and leaves mirroring each other on either side.
Eastern Iran or Central Asia
1000–1100
Bronze
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Iconic Metalwork This striking feline form is part of a rare group of masterpieces of Islamic metalwork.
Symbol of Royalty Felines have long been associated with the royal courts of Central Asia, symbolizing sovereign power, nobility, and strength.
Aq-Qoyunlu or Ottoman, Turkey
1450–1500
Steel with silver inlays, traces of gold
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Twisted Steel Note how the steel is twisted to match the folded fabric of the turban and create a seamless look.
Chain Mail Protection The chain mail camail covers the neck, ears, and face of the warrior and provides crucial protection in battle.
Belgium, Antwerp
1557
Frans Floris (Anvers, 1519–1570)
Oil on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Maths in Action The seated female figure in this painting is shown performing calculations. This highlights the importance of arithmetic activities.
Merchant’s Role The patron who commissioned this painting was a merchant, and the work of art probably reflects his duties as a tax collector and ship insurer.
Belgium, Antwerp
1595
Abel Grimmer (Antwerp, about 1575–1619)
Oil on wood
Louvre Abu Dhabi
A Busy Scene This lively painting captures daily activities, with people building, selling items, and enjoying meals together.
King Nimrod’s Plans Can you spot King Nimrod? He’s looking at plans with two architects and making important decisions about the tower.
Central Europe, Holy Roman Empire
1657
Achille Hermansreyt (?)
Ivory, case in leather and velvet
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Ivory Tower This tower is made from ivory that was brought from Africa, and showcases the artist’s use of exotic materials.
Storage Compartments It has nine stacked oval compartments that can be separated. They were used for storing valuable items, possibly spices, although their exact purpose remains a mystery.
Edo culture, Nigeria, ancient kingdom of Benin
1700–1800
Copper alloy
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Tribute to Royalty This rooster pays tribute to the Queen Mother of Benin. The fine details of the rooster are captured with great accuracy. Note the different patterns used to depict its feathers.
Kingdom of Benin The kingdom of Benin was located in present-day Nigeria and occupied a key position in African trade routes.
Ottoman empire, Turkey, Istanbul, imperial workshop
About 1540
Wood, ivory
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Royal Use This magnificent desk could only be used by members of the royal Ottoman court and calligraphers.
Sultan’s Writing Desk The Sultan himself could have used it to write his poems, making it a significant work of art.
United Kingdom
1540–1542
Hans Holbein the Younger (Augsburg, 1497-London, 1543)
Oil on wood
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Determined Personality The artist captures Sir Wyatt’s determined personality through finely-observed details in the painting.
Steady Gaze Sir Wyatt is depicted with a slightly tilted chin and his eyes stare steadily into the distance with an air of confidence.
France, Paris
1730
Jean-François De Troy (Paris, 1679-Rome, 1752)
Oil on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Emotional Focus In this painting, the artist brings the scene to life by highlighting the emotions of the characters, the King of Persia and his wife, through their facial expressions and body language.
Dramatic Action Note how the wife collapses into the arms of her servant while the king leans in, using his body and arms to offer her support.
Ottoman empire, Turkey, Iznik
1575–1580
Ceramic with painted underglaze Louvre Abu Dhabi
Colour Mastery Ottoman potters of the time mastered the use of colours, as is evident in the bright red and blue on the dish.
Floral Design Note how the roses and tulips flow across the circular shape of the dish, enhancing its overall elegance.
Ottoman empire, Turkey, Iznik
1560–1580
Ceramic with painted underglaze
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Symmetrical Design Note how the decoration on this tile is symmetrical, despite the use of organic shapes.
Repeated Pattern The same pattern was repeated across several tiles, showcasing the unity and consistency of the design.
United States
1822
Gilbert Stuart (Saunderstown, 1755–Boston, 1822)
Oil on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Leadership Symbols All the elements painted here highlight George Washington’s status as a leader and different aspects of his role.
Hope for the Nation The rainbow represents the hope of the new nation, signifying unity and promise for the future.
United Kingdom
1769
Francis Cotes (London, 1726–Richmond, 1770)
Oil on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Final Pieces Can you recognize the last two pieces left on the board? They are both kings.
Endgame Since the kings cannot checkmate each other, the game ends in a draw and emphasises the strategic aspect of chess.
France, Paris
1753–1756
Bernard II van Risamburgh (Paris, about 1700–1760)
Wood, lacquer, bronze gilt, marble
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Exquisite Design This chest of drawers features red-lacquer panels imported from China, showcasing beautiful craftsmanship.
Cultural Fusion This piece was created to appeal to the Parisian taste for Chinese items and reflects the growth of world trade.
France, Manufacture royale de Beauvais
About 1700
Philippe Béhagle
Tapestry of wool and silk
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Emperor’s Life This tapestry illustrates the life of the Chinese emperor as imagined by the artist.
Cultural Exchange It was created at a time when Chinese travellers and ambassadors were introducing Far Eastern culture to France.
Turkey, Istanbul (?)
1878
Osman Hamdy Bey
Oil on canvas
Unique Composition You may be surprised to discover that this scene features unusually diverse elements, including tiles, a verse from the Quran, a chandelier, and a niche.
Cultural Inspirations Each element is inspired by a different origin and time and reflects a blend of influences.
Oceania, Solomon Islands
1800–1900
Wood, mother-of-pearl, fibres, parinarium nut paste, pigment
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Unique Figure Spot the human figure on the shield with an oval head, long body, and tiny arms and legs!
Ceremonial Use The beautiful decoration suggests that this shield was never used in combat. It was designed for special ceremonies.
France, Paris
1861–1862 (cut out in 1867)
Édouard Manet (Paris, 1832–1883)
Oil on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
A Unique Pose The artist captures the Bohemian in a graceful pose with his wrist bent, in a style reminiscent of noble portraits.
Artistic Contrast This blending of styles highlights the artist’s creativity and challenges traditional norms.
Yup’ik culture, Alaska
1890–1910
Wood, natural pigments, plant fibres, feathers
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Animal Features Can you identify the animals on this mask? It has the eyes and nose of a fish and the head of a walrus with long tusks.
Ceremonial Use This mask was used during ceremonies.
France, Paris
1922
Piet Mondrian (Amersfoort, 1872–New York, 1944)
Oil on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Elementary Principles The artist used basic elements in this painting: straight lines, the three primary colours (red, yellow, and blue), and two non-colours (white and black).
Truncated Planes Note how the coloured planes appear truncated, suggesting a space that extends beyond the edge of the composition.
Cuba
1945
Wifredo Lam (Sagua la Grande, 1902–Paris, 1982)
Oil on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Mysterious Creatures Strange creatures are hiding and peeking out from behind what appear to be trees in a dark forest.
Inspiring Journeys This imaginative scene reflects the artist’s travels in France, Spain, the Caribbean, and his home country of Cuba, blended with his knowledge of African art.
Italy
2008
Cy Twombly (Lexington, 1928–Rome, 2011)
Acrylic on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Pseudo-Writing The artist creates a unique language with the white lines in these nine paintings.
Fluid Hand Movement The changes in line density and shape show how the artist moved his hands, adding energy to the artwork.
Nalu or Baga culture, Guinea
1800–1940
Painted wood
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Snake Note the typical snake features represented: diamond shapes for its scales and a dot for its eye.
Dynamic Movement The curve conveys the snake’s dynamic movement.
Switzerland, Berne
1938
Paul Klee (Münchenbuchsee, 1879–Muralto, 1940)
Paint on paper glued on canvas
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Fascination with Colour The bright hues in this painting reflect the artist’s fascination with colour during his trip to Tunisia, where he claimed: “I am possessed by colour.”
Inspired by Calligraphy The black lines are inspired by the curved shapes of Arabic calligraphy.