The auction brought together leading names in Modern Indian art, with several works achieving standout prices
Animalia Brings 4,000 Years of Art to Paris
From Mughal jewels to ancient sculptures, Animalia explores humanity's enduring fascination with the animal kingdom through rare works from The Al Thani Collection
From prehistoric cave paintings to royal jewels, animals have long shaped humanity’s imagination. Now, Animalia: Bestiary from The Al Thani Collection brings together more than 120 extraordinary works that explore this enduring relationship across cultures, continents and millennia. Presented at the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris from July 1, 2026, to January 10, 2027, the exhibition is organised by The Al Thani Collection Foundation in collaboration with the Centre des monuments nationaux.
Drawn from The Al Thani Collection, the exhibition spans nearly 4,000 years, from the third millennium BC to the early-20th century. Many of the works are being shown in Paris for the first time, showcasing how civilisations from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas have celebrated, revered and interpreted animals through art.
Rather than arranging the objects chronologically, Animalia creates a dialogue between cultures. Across four galleries, visitors encounter masterpieces crafted for kings, emperors and aristocratic patrons in precious materials including gold, jade, rock crystal, bronze and gemstones. Together, these objects reveal striking parallels in how different societies associated animals with power, spirituality, mythology and identity.
Among the highlights is a rare Mughal gold pendant in the form of a bird, set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, believed to have been made in the Deccan around 1700. A Timurid ram’s head carved from nephrite jade, a Fatimid chess piece depicting a king mounted on an elephant, and a Greek bronze mare dedicated to horse racing further illustrate the exhibition’s remarkable geographical and historical range.
The exhibition also examines the symbolic importance of specific animals. Horses emerge as enduring emblems of royalty, warfare and prestige, while felines—from Egyptian cats to Babylonian lions and Chinese tigers—reflect authority, protection and imperial power. Elsewhere, deer embody spiritual significance in Japan, birds feature prominently in ritual and ornament, and elephants, camels and rhinoceroses reveal the role of animals in trade, exploration and empire.
Curated by Dr. Amin Jaffer, Director of The Al Thani Collection, Animalia reflects the collection’s commitment to presenting art beyond cultural and geographical boundaries. More than a survey of remarkable objects, the exhibition demonstrates how animals have inspired artistic expression, religious belief, and scientific curiosity across centuries, offering visitors a compelling perspective on the universal bond between humans and the natural world.
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From Mughal jewels to ancient sculptures, 'Animalia' explores humanity's enduring fascination with the animal kingdom through rare works from The Al Thani Collection