The Louvre Abu Dhabi has opened its doors to an extraordinary experience of connection between tradition and modernity with the exhibition « Cartier, Arts of Islam, and Modernity. » This exceptional display, inaugurated on November 15, 2023, by His Highness Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, takes visitors on a journey through over a century of artistic influences and inspirations that link Islamic art with the creative innovation of the renowned maison Cartier.

At the heart of this extraordinary narrative is Louis Cartier, the founder of Cartier, whose interest in Islamic artistic traditions marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in the maison’s history. Since the 1910s, Louis began collecting Islamic artworks, transforming his study library into an endless source of inspiration for Cartier’s designers. This exhibition is a journey through his personal collection of Islamic art, an original source that inspired many iconic works produced by the maison. The exhibition delves into the discovery of Islamic art by Louis Cartier and members of his family, such as his brother Jacques Cartier, who traveled to India and the Arabian Gulf to explore new markets and strengthen ties with local elites. This exploration opened new expressive horizons for Cartier, influencing the artistic direction of the maison over the years, including the era of Jeanne Toussaint.

Curated by Judith Henon-Raynaud and Évelyne Possémé, heritage and jewelry experts, supported by Fakhera Alkindi of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Through five years of research, the curators explored archives, drawings, and photographs to identify Cartier’s sources of inspiration in Islamic art and understand the creative process that led to some of the most innovative works in French jewelry.

Manuel Rabaté, Director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, emphasizes how the exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to discover new connections between cultures, deepen their understanding of modernity, and be inspired by the sophistication and unique materials of Islamic art and Cartier jewelry on display. In addition to artworks, the exhibition features an immersive digital space with digital animations, offering a free Arab interpretation of Cartier’s creative process. Two « infinity rooms » create a 180-degree digital visual experience, transforming the visit into an extraordinary adventure through creativity and innovation.

Pierre Rainero, Director of Heritage, Image, and Style at Cartier, underscores the lasting impact of Islamic art on Cartier’s creative language since the early 20th century. This exhibition reflects a lasting partnership between the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Cartier, highlighting the continuous connection between tradition and modernity.

Le Louvre Abu Dhabi
November 16, 2023, to March 24, 2024

@cartier 

Cigarette case, Cartier Paris, 1930, Gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise, sapphire, diamonds, Cartier Collection, CC 91 A30
Photo: © Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Photo: Ismail Noor/Seeing Things

Vanity case with decoration inspired by Iznik ceramics, Cartier Paris, 1927, Gold, platinum, enamel, sapphires, emeralds, topazes, coral, moonstones, diamonds, Cartier Collection, VC 41 A 27, Nils Herrmann, Cartier Collection
Photo: © Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi / Photo: Ismail Noor/Seeing Things

Dish with a blue saz leaf, Turkey, Iznik, ca. 1580, Ceramic with painted underglaze, Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, LAD 2012.045
Photo: © Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi / Photo: Ismail Noor/Seeing Things 

Tiara, Cartier, 2012, Platinum, diamond, emerald, On loan from businesswoman Pansy Ho
Photo: © Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi / Photo: Ismail Noor / Seeing Things