Photographs 1842-1896, An Early Album of the World at Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s first photography exhibition to open April 25, 2019.
Over 250 of the world’s earliest photographs, taken between 1842 and 1896, will be presented in Photographs 1842-1896, An Early Album of the World at the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s second international exhibition of the year and its first ever photography exhibition.
Native of Urcos. Scientific Expedition, Peru, 1864
Émile Colpaërt (active 1858 – 1870)
Albumen prints
Paris, musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Photo credit: © musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Dist. RMN – Grand Palais / image musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
View of the Holy Shrine and the City of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 1881
Muhammad Sadiq Bey (1822 – 1902)
Photographic print
Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Rare Books Reserve
Photo credit: © Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris
The chrono-thematic exhibition will feature the first photographs taken in the Middle East, including the earliest images of Saudi Arabia and Yemen by Auguste Bartholdi, as well as the first photograph of Mecca by Egyptian Sadiq Bey. Other highlights include historic photographs from the Philippines, a portrait of the Maharajah de Orchla from 1882 and photographic documentation of the Royal Tour of the Prince and Princess of Wales through India in 1875-76.
Portrait of a Young Woman
Ethiopia, September 1885 – November 1888
Jules Borelli (1852–1941)
Albumen print
Paris, musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Photo credit: © musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Dist. RMN – Grand Palais / image musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Portrait of Sir Pratab Singh, Maharajah of Orchla with his entourage, India, 1882
Lala Deen Dayal (1844 – 1905)
Albumen print
Paris, Musée National des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet
Photo credit: © MNAAG, Paris, Dist. RMN – Grand Palais / image Musée Guimet
Invented in 1839 during a time of colonial expansion by several European nations, photography rapidly developed into one of the most important tools for documenting the history of the world and its diverse cultures. The pioneering photographers were instrumental in making different cultures visible to others and by revealing fascinating similarities and differences.
The exhibition will run from April 25 to July 13, 2019. Alongside the exhibition, Louvre Abu Dhabi will host educational and cultural activities pertaining to photography.
A Street, Canton, China, 1870 – 1890
Lai Fong (c. 1839 – 1890)
Aristotype print
Paris, musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Photo credit: © musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Dist. RMN – Grand Palais / image musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Portrait, Philippines, c. 1865
Pedro Picón
(active 1860 – 1870)
Paris, musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Photo credit: © musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Dist. RMN – Grand Palais / image musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
For more information: www.louvreabudhabi.ae
The Latest
The Quiet Art of Project Management
In Dubai’s ever-evolving real estate landscape, this approach has earned Vedra a reputation for integrity and attention to detail
Award-Winning Residences in Dubai: When Vision Meets Flawless Delivery
Designsmith is bringing two award-winning residences to life by ISTO
OFIS Brings the Iconic HÅG Capisco Chair to the UAE
In an exclusive collaboration with Flokk, the brand continues to raise the bar for healthy and sustainable workplace design
An Avant Garde Residence
The V Penthouse by Badie Architects is a bold exploration of materiality and spatial harmony
Kohler Celebrated Transformative Designs at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025
Transformative design experiences were highlighted through curated collections from Kohler, KALLISTA, and Kohler x Studio McGee along with panel discussions on wellness, design, and sustainability.
Serenity and Soul
Blending Aman’s signature serenity with the cultural soul of Saudi Arabia, Amansamar emerges as a bold new destination for design-led living and hospitality
Quiet Luxury
The Bernhardt brand brings understated elegance and enduring craftsmanship through Interiors in the UAE
Transform Your Living Space
Renowned designer Antonio Citterio introduces a new paradigm in contemporary seating through the Loungescape sofa
Inside Hobb
We speak with the founder of Hobb, Haifa Malhas, about building a bookstore and a community centred around love for design
Revealed: The venue and date for the identity Design Awards 2025
Save the date for the much awaited gala night.
Conscious design, textural sophistication, and seasonal comfort: What Crate & Barrel and CB2 bring to the GCC with New Stores and Collection
With fresh openings in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Crate & Barrel and CB2 unveil Fall/Winter collections that blends tactile design, sustainability, and exclusive collaborations, bringing global style closer to regional homes.
Surface Appeal
Global surfaces leader Cosentino launches four new quartzite options in the Sensa range