From Kalila wa Dimna to La Fontaine

Travelling through Fables

Embark on a captivating journey through the world of animal fables with our new exhibition: “From Kalīla wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling through Fables.”
This timeless literary genre transcends across cultures and centuries, imparting life lessons and values to both adults and children.
Join us as we trace the fascinating evolution of these fables. They originated in India and Greece, then evolved through influential figures such as Ibn al-Muqaffa’ and Aesop, reaching their pinnacle with French fabulist Jean de La Fontaine in the 17th century.

Exhibition Partner: Van Cleef & Arpels.

Featuring approximately 133 artworks, including manuscripts, graphic arts, and 3D objects, generously lent from prestigious institutions worldwide, we invite you to witness the commonalities between Kalīla wa Dimna and La Fontaine. With beautifully illustrated manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Turkish manuscripts, and Western artworks, this is an exhibition, you won’t want to miss.
The exhibition will take place from 26 March 2024 until 21 July 2024.

Organised by Louvre Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Bibliothèque Nationale de France and France Muséums, curated by Mrs. Annie Vernay Nouri, Former Chief Curator, Oriental Manuscripts Department, Bibliothèque Nationale de France.