An Introduction to Islamic ArtThe Cour Visconti

Islamic Art

The term ‘Islamic Art’ refers to the various art forms of the Islamic world. These are represented in the Louvre by a selection of artefacts made over an extensive time period ranging from the rise of Islam in the 7th century to the late 19th century. Geographically, the collection spans three continents, from Spain to India via North Africa and Egypt.

The first Islamic artworks entered the Louvre when the museum was founded in 1793, and the first Islamic galleries date from 1893. Back then, the preferred term was ‘the Muslim arts’ – a reference not to religious art, but to the predominance of Islam in the Middle East and Africa. The collection expanded considerably in the 19th and 20th centuries, when Paris was at the forefront of Orientalism. The Louvre’s Islamic artworks were initially presented in the Department of Decorative Arts before joining the Department of Eastern Antiquities, but after the creation by presidential decree of an independent Department of Islamic Art, they were moved to their present, purpose-designed structure in 2012.

Today, the department houses over 3,000 artworks reflecting the variety and luxury that surrounded caliphs, sultans and princes. Islamic creativity and excellence are illustrated by gleaming ceramics with gold or China blue reflections, delicately carved ivories, precious metal bowls and vases inlaid with gold and silver. Silks, carpets and miniature paintings provide an insight into the fascinating world of gardens, landscapes and palace life. Beautiful enamelled-glass lamps recall the mosques of Cairo; colourful Iznik tiles evoke the monuments of Isfahan and Istanbul.

At the heart of the Louvre

The glass and metal structure was designed by architects Rudy Ricciotti and Mario Bellini and architect and exhibition designer Renaud Piérard. It stands in the Cour Visconti, formerly an open-air courtyard. Under the golden veil, the collection is spread over two levels with different lighting effects.

The upper level unfolds under this extraordinary roof of undulating metal resembling a floating veil, a sand dune, an Islamic latticework window…whatever your imagination suggests! Surrounded by glass walls, the artworks are bathed in natural light, but the metal structure protects them from the sun’s rays.

The treasures on the lower level, on the other hand, are displayed in dim, mysterious lighting that creates an atmosphere worthy of Aladdin’s cave! A thousand and one dazzling colours and the gleam of gold and silver transport us eastwards – to Córdoba, Cairo, Damascus, Baghdad, Aleppo, Mosul, Istanbul, Isfahan or Agra in India.