Louvre Abu Dhabi Showcases Rare Renoir Portrait Among Four Collection Highlights
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 26 August 2026: Louvre Abu Dhabi is inviting visitors to discover four remarkable highlights from its collection, bringing together artworks that span more than two millennia of human creativity and reflect the diversity of artistic traditions across cultures and eras.
Leading the display is a rare double portrait by renowned French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot and her Daughter, Julie Manet, painted in 1894. The work is presented alongside artworks representing 19th-century European art, contemporary Malian heritage and ancient Cyprus.
Rare Renoir Portrait Offers Insight into Impressionist History
One of the key highlights is Renoir’s intimate portrait of Berthe Morisot and her daughter, Julie Manet. Renoir presented the painting to Morisot, and it was later inherited by her daughter. The artwork remained within the family collection throughout the 20th century.
Beyond its artistic significance, the portrait offers a glimpse into the close personal relationship between Renoir and Morisot, one of the founding figures of Impressionism. The painting captures the bond between mother and daughter while reflecting the friendships and relationships that played an important role in the development of the Impressionist movement.
Edward Burne-Jones Takes Visitors into an Enchanted World
The display also features British artist Edward Burne-Jones’ The Prince Entering the Briar Wood, dating to around 1869.
The painting depicts a prince entering an enchanted forest where four knights lie suspended in magical stillness. Richly detailed rose thickets, muted tones and an atmosphere of mystery draw visitors into a dreamlike world inspired by myth, legend and storytelling.
The work represents an important stage in Burne-Jones’ Briar Rose series and highlights his fascination with decorative design, imagination and the enduring power of narrative art.
Contemporary Work Celebrates Mali’s Cultural Heritage
Contemporary Malian artist Abdoulaye Konaté is represented through his 2024 work Tuareg Pattern on a Blue Background from the Sahel and the Sahara.
Created from layers of woven and dyed fabric, the vibrant textile-inspired composition draws on the landscapes, traditions and cultural heritage of Mali and the Tuareg people.
Dominated by deep indigo blue, a colour strongly associated with Tuareg dress, the work transforms traditional textile imagery into a contemporary artistic expression. It explores the relationship between cultural memory, heritage and the ways traditions continue to evolve for future generations.
2,500-Year-Old Sculpture Reveals Ancient Cyprus
Completing the collection highlights is the Head of an Ephebe (Youth) from Cyprus, dating to the 5th century BCE.
Carved from limestone more than 2,500 years ago, the sculpture retains traces of its original blue, black and red pigments. Its distinctive smile, carefully modelled curls and wreath of leaves and berries provide insight into the artistic traditions of ancient Cyprus.
The wreath is believed to reflect those worn during religious festivals and may indicate that the figure represented a worshipper of a deity.
Together, the four works offer visitors an opportunity to explore connections between different cultures, periods and artistic traditions, demonstrating the breadth of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection.
As a special offer, UAE residents can receive 30% off admission tickets until the end of September 2026.
For tickets and visitor information, visit Louvre Abu Dhabi.
