Exhibitions And Publications

Kings of the World: Expressions of Royal Power and the Arts: Masterpieces From The Al Thani Collection

Featuring approximately 60 objects from the collection, this exhibition uses ancient sculpture, works of art, metalwork, coins, miniature paintings, weapons and jewellery to explore the image of the king and that of royal power throughout the ages and civilisations, from Sumerian royalty (around 2000 BC) to 19th-century European monarchies, via Pharaonic Egypt, the ancient Near East, Ottoman sultans and Mughal emperors.

From the Great Mughals to the Maharajas: Jewels from The Al Thani Collection

The Grand Palais exhibition enabled visitors to immerse themselves in the jewellery traditions of the Indian subcontinent, from the Mughal period to the modern day, all displayed in an evocative and ethereal setting. The evolution of gem-setting and jewellery was shown through 250 exceptional pieces from The Al Thani Collection, together with major works on loan from prestigious institutions and private collections. Famous historic Indian diamonds, spectacular precious objects and legendary pieces of jewellery were brought together to represent the evolution of taste and technique in India’s jewelled arts over five centuries.

Bejewelled Treasures: The Al Thani Collection

This exhibition showcased over one hundred jewels, jewelled artefacts and jades from The Al Thani Collection, alongside three prestigious loans from the Royal Collection. The pieces ranged in date from the early 17th century to the present day, and were made in the Indian subcontinent or inspired by India. They included spectacular precious stones and jades made for Mughal emperors, highlighting the exceptional skills of goldsmiths within the Indian subcontinent. The more recent pieces also demonstrated that cross-cultural exchanges continue to inspire contemporary jewellery design in India and Europe.