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Al Thani Collection's 'Animalia' at Hôtel de la Marine Showcases 120 Animal-Themed Treasures

exhibition · 2026-07-24

At the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris, the Al Thani Collection is showcasing 'Animalia. Bestiaire de la collection Al Thani,' which will be open until January 10, 2027. This exhibition comprises 120 artifacts spanning from the third millennium BCE to the early 20th century, with 60 items making their debut in France. Thematically organized, it emphasizes humanity's relationship with the animal world. Curator Amin Jaffer explains that the pieces illustrate both common beliefs and distinctions. Highlights include royal masterpieces, gold and bronze representations of horses, and mythical beings. Among the standout items are a gold capuchin monkey bead from Peru (100-400 CE), a Mughal gold eagle pendant from India (c. 1700), and a snuffbox lid featuring a portrait of Frederick the Great (c. 1770).

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'Animalia. Bestiaire de la collection Al Thani' at Hôtel de la Marine, Paris, until January 10, 2027.
  • 120 precious objects from four continents, spanning third millennium BCE to early 20th century.
  • 60 objects shown in France for the first time; some world premieres.
  • Curated by Amin Jaffer, director of the Al Thani Collection.
  • Organized thematically like a cabinet of curiosities.
  • Seven masterpieces from royal or aristocratic collections in the first room.
  • Highlights include a capuchin monkey bead (Peru, 100-400), a Mughal eagle pendant (India, c. 1700), a red jasper panther head (Egypt, c. 1478-1458 BCE), a Fatimid elephant chess piece (c. 975-1050).
  • Horse section features a Greek bronze mare (c. 750 BCE) and a Sassanian plate with Shapur II hunting ibex (c. 309-379).
  • Animals in service to humans section includes an Egyptian cat statuette (c. 600-400 BCE), a silver cup of Nebuchadnezzar II (6th century BCE), and a Mughal miniature of Prince Salim (c. 1600-1605).
  • Sacred and imaginary section includes Thoth baboon in obsidian (c. 600-400 BCE), Sobek-Rê in feldspar (c. 300-200 BCE), and a Safavid drawing of two dragons (16th century).

Entities

Artists

  • Amin Jaffer
  • Otto Christian Sahler

Institutions

  • Al Thani Collection
  • Hôtel de la Marine
  • Beaux Arts Magazine

Locations

  • Paris
  • France
  • Peru
  • India
  • Egypt
  • China
  • Greece
  • Prussia
  • Sassanian Empire
  • Mughal Empire
  • Fatimid Caliphate
  • Babylon
  • Safavid Empire
  • 2 Place de la Concorde
  • 75001 Paris

Sources