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Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: Thierry Ollivier
Juz’ Amma, 30th section of the Holy Quran, Syria, Damascus (?), 1250–1300, H. 47, W. 62 cm; ink, colour and gold on paper, leather binding, Louvre Abu Dhabi, LAD 2009.011

GALLERY 4

Universal Religions

Beginning around 2000 years ago, the spread of universal religions succeeded in reaching most of the civilized areas of Europe, Asia and Africa in just a few centuries. By addressing their message to all humanity without distinction, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam transcended local cultural characteristics and deeply transformed communities that had thrived during Antiquity. These religions shared the idea of monotheism, but differed on issues such as the representation of the divine. Universal religions all have their roots in ancient religions as they expanded, they conflicted with each other and clashed with other beliefs. Religion from that time on had become a factor that unites communities and influences intellectual and artistic activity across continents.

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: Thierry Ollivier
Maitreya, a Buddha in a time yet to come, Nepal, 1100–1200, H. 52 cm; copper gilt, semiprecious stones, Louvre Abu Dhabi, LAD 2014.033

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: Thierry Ollivier
Dancing Shiva, Hindu divinity, India, Tamil Nadu, 950–1000, H. 76.2 cm; bronze, Louvre Abu Dhabi, LAD 2009.023

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: Mustahfa Aboobacker/ Seeing Things
Book Binding Cover: Christ in Majesty, France, Limoges, 1190-1200, H. 33.2; W. 19.2 cm, Wood, enamels on gilt copper, Louvre Abu Dhabi, LAD 2019.004

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: Thierry Ollivier
Ancestor figure, Mali,1200–1300, H. 95.5 cm; wood, Louvre Abu Dhabi, LAD 2011.031

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: Thierry Ollivier
Juz’ Amma, 30th section of the Holy Quran, Syria, Damascus (?), 1250–1300, H. 47, W. 62 cm; ink, colour and gold on paper, leather binding, Louvre Abu Dhabi, LAD 2009.011

Louvre Abu Dhabi – APF
Pentateuch and its Binding Sana'a, Yemen,1498 CE, 34.6 x 29.8 cm, ink on paper, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi LAD 2010.008
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