Over the course of human history, luxury has had many shapes and forms. From fashion and jewellery to art and furniture, each of our civilizations has had its own definition of what constitutes opulence.
In its latest exhibit, Louvre Abu Dhabi is celebrating luxury in its different art forms with over 350 beautiful artefacts. Spanning around 10,000 years, these treasures celebrate the different concepts of luxury since the dawn of humankind’s rich heritage.
In ancient civilizations, luxury was reserved for royalty as well as the divine, with golden furniture for the first and marvelous statues for the latter. On the other hand, luxury has had a quite nuanced definition in our modern age; Louvre Abu Dhabi brings examples from high-end brands such as Christian Dior, Chanel, Cartier, Balenciaga and Hermès.
Each of the exhibit’s artefacts explores the role of women in defining their society’s concept of the opulent, and how the degree of rarity and craftsmanship contribute to what makes an object luxurious.
‘10,000 Years of Luxury’ takes onlookers on a journey throughout different ages and cultures juxtaposing the subtle differences as well as the common themes.
One turning point in mankind’s perspective of luxury came with the Industrial Revolution of the 18th Century and the birth of the consumer culture.
Another turning point that the exhibition explores is how in the age of globalization our definition of luxury is slowly changing to incorporate elements of sustainable development in response to climate change and the overpopulation crises.
The exhibit has a lot to offer, so if you happen to be in Abu Dhabi, it will be running until the 18th of February, 2020.