The Arts of Islam: Treasures from the Nasser D Khalili Collection comprises over 500 pieces and includes a number of works that have never been exhibited before, such as a detailed panoramic watercolour of Mecca, painted in 1843, which is the earliest known visual record of the Holy City.
The show presents both the religious and secular arts of Islam, through a series of themes that include: the development of the arts associated with manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an, especially calligraphy; arts associated with pilgrimage; everyday and treasury objects; miniature painting; and carpets and textiles. Other groups of objects will focus on the talismanic use of verses of the Holy Qur’an; science in the service of religion; horsemanship; falconry; and interaction with Europe, among others.
A fully illustrated catalogue, published in Arabic and English accompanies the exhibition and a symposium, a series of lectures and other educational programmes are also planned.
The Nasser D Khalili Collection of Islamic art comprises some 20,000 works and is the largest and most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the entire history of Islamic art from its beginnings in the 7th century until the present day. The entire Collection is being published under the auspices of the Khalili Family Trust and will comprise 31 volumes in total, 17 of which are already available.
The Khalili Collections Web Site