Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Current Exhibition Prompts Reflection On The Way That Storytelling Shapes Morality

In “From Kalīla wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling through Fables” ancient allegories connect to contemporary concerns through a magnificent showcase of artworks and artefacts

Whether it’s Aesop’s, The Tortoise and the Hare, or Panchatantra’s, The Dog with a Bone, our early lessons often stem from the intergenerational sharing of stories. Animal fables, though figments of the mind, serve powerful social functions. They help us to make sense of the world, encouraging us to symbolically connect with human emotions while offering words of guidance or caution. Often accompanied by exquisite illustrations, fables convey profound narratives succinctly, serving as a conduit for lessons in morality and the intricacies of human nature.

The practice of fable writing, originating in the first century BCE in India and Greece, further pioneered by translator Ibn al-Muqaffa (c.720-756 CE) in the Arab-Islamic world and storyteller Aesop (620-564 BCE) in the Greco-Roman realm transcends space and time. Now on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi, From Kalīla wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling through Fables offers a comprehensive survey of this sumptuous literary genre, situating it within the wider socio-historical context and inviting us to consider the significance of these stories today.

“Through this exhibition, visitors embark on a journey tracing the origins of these tales in India and Greece, along with their subsequent developments, transmissions, and adaptations across different cultures and time periods,” suggests Rawdha Al Abdouli, Curatorial Associate in the Scientific, Curatorial and Collection Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The spotlight falls on two central traditions: the Eastern, epitomised by Ibn Al-Muqaffa’s seminal Kalila wa Dimna, and the Western, captured through the timeless fables of Aesop and Jean De La Fontaine (1621-1695 CE).

The exhibition unfolds across three thematic realms—Travelling Tales, Telling Stories, and The Fables Today—realised under the vision of Annie Vernay-Nouri, Former Chief Curator, Oriental Manuscripts Department, Bibliothèque Nationale de France. 132 works – rare manuscripts, intricate paintings, and avant-garde contemporary interpretations by authors, calligraphers, and illustrators attest to the fables’ ability to shape collective consciousness across generations. “These stories, rich in wit and wisdom, serve as mirrors to human society, reflecting the virtues and vices that shape our lives,” effuses Manuel Rabaté, Louvre Abu Dhabi Director. “By engaging with these narratives, visitors can gain insights into the essence of human nature, the importance of empathy, and the values of integrity, loyalty, and wisdom,” notes the Director, underscoring the universal resonance of storytelling as a transcendent medium of human expression.

The curation sheds light on the literary legacies and cultural values of seemingly disparate regions, celebrating both their specificity and common values. Ibn al-Muqaffa’s Kalīla wa Dimna, from which the exhibition derives its name, is an icon of the Arab-Islamic world, retaining universal pertinence. Originally composed in Sanskrit, this collection of allegorical tales features anthropomorphic animals, kings, and philosophers navigating complex social and political landscapes, vividly illustrating how this medium can unlock the nuances of human life. The centrepiece of the exhibition is an original manuscript narrating these tales dating back to the Ayyubid dynasty (1171-1250 CE), offering insight into the rich literary and artistic heritage of the mediaeval Islamic world.

Among other notable works is a Portrait of Jean de La Fontaine by Émile Bayard, with draughtsman L. Wolff as engraver, paying homage to the celebrated 17th-century fabulist of Western literature whose approach embraced Aesopic and East Asian traditions. “Importantly, the exhibition highlights the shared human experience and the power of stories to unite us across differences,” says Manuel. “The ability of these fables to traverse vast cultural landscapes and remain relevant through the ages is a testament to our common humanity. By reflecting on these shared stories, we hope that visitors will leave with a renewed sense of connection to others and a deeper understanding of the lessons that can guide us in navigating the complexities of modern life.”

After exploring the past, visitors are left pondering: how might storytelling practices morph and manifest in the future? Louvre Abu Dhabi has harnessed AI to give visitors a chance to explore the possibilities as they author their very own animal fables.

To supplement the exhibition experience, Louvre Abu Dhabi offers dedicated cultural and educational programming, including talks and film screenings that explore themes rooted in fables—such as morality, wisdom, and the power of storytelling—providing new insights into these age-old tales.

From Kalīla wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling through Fables is held in collaboration with Bibliothèque nationale de France and France Muséums and supported by Van Cleef & Arpels. The exhibition remains on view until 21 July, 2024, at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Programming

Later in 2024, visitors can expect two further major exhibitions at Louvre Abu Dhabi: a Post-Impressionism showcase and Art Here 2024.

The Post-Impressionism exhibition, in collaboration with Musée D’Orsay, will explore the transformative movements in late 19th-century art, featuring works by iconic masters including Vincent Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin. Notable artworks from Musée D’Orsay, including Van Gogh’s masterpieces ‘The Bedroom’ and ‘The Siesta,’ will be on display. Meanwhile Art Here 2024, supported by Richard Mille, continues the tradition of showcasing contemporary regional artists, with a call for proposals open until 31 May, 2024. Curated by Simon Njami, this year’s edition will expand to North Africa for the first time and run from 20 September – 15 December, 2024.

Additionally, Louvre Abu Dhabi plans to exhibit the Al-Mughira pyxide from the Musée du Louvre, a historically significant artefact dating back over a millennium, for the first time in the UAE.

Images Credit: ©Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi. Photo: Ismail Noor/Seeing Things