The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Latest Exhibition: A Lesson in Flawed Human Behavior Through Timeless Fables
Step into the world of fables at the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s newest exhibition, where animals take center stage to explore themes of friendship, vanity, and revenge in a light-hearted manner. “From Kalila wa Dimna to La Fontaine” is on view until July 21, showcasing memorable stories that teach valuable lessons about human nature.
Traveling Through Fables
The exhibition features 133 objects, including manuscripts, ceramics, and art objects from the Bibliotheque nationale de France’s collection. These stories have transcended continents, languages, and generations, appealing to both children and adults with their universal appeal.
Louvre Abu Dhabi’s director, Manuel Rabate, describes the exhibition as a perfect fit for the museum, highlighting the journey of these stories from India to the Arab world and beyond. It’s a celebration of storytelling that connects the East and the West.
Origins of Timeless Tales
Curator Annie Vernay-Nouri explains that these fables originated in India, dating back to 200 B.C. One story features two swans and a talkative turtle, while another tells the tale of a dog and its prized possession. These stories carry moral lessons that have stood the test of time.
In the 8th century Arab-Islamic world, the Panchatantra stories were translated by Ibn Al-Muqaffa’, leading to the creation of “Kalila wa Dimna.” This adaptation resonated with audiences across Arabic, Persian, and Turkish-speaking regions, showcasing the enduring power of storytelling through the ages.