Sotheby’s Dubai recently unveiled a stunning exhibition of Islamic art and modern masterpieces, providing a glimpse of the artworks that will be auctioned during its upcoming Middle Eastern art week in London. The exhibition featured rare artefacts from the Islamic world, alongside modern and contemporary works by leading regional artists.
One of the highlights of the display is an untitled painting by renowned Saudi artist Al-Saleem. The auction house described him as “one of Saudi Arabia’s foremost modern artists,” praising his contribution to the Kingdom’s artistic development. Known for blending modernist and traditional aesthetics, Al-Saleem’s work combines geometric forms with figuration, capturing the essence of his environment. His untitled piece is expected to fetch up to £100,000 (SAR 500,000) at the auction.
Another significant piece is an 8th-century bronze buck from the Umayyad period, considered a rare and exquisite example of early Islamic sculpture.
Sotheby’s stated, “This is indisputably one of the finest known animal sculptures from the Umayyad and early Abbasid period.” This exceptional work, which bears the names of its maker and patron, is expected to sell for as much as £3 million. Dr. Julian Raby, an expert on Islamic art, concluded that the sculpture represents “a major addition to our understanding of figurative sculpture in the second century of the Hijra.”
The exhibition also featured a remarkable 13th-century leaf from an Arabic translation of the ancient Greek text De Materia Medica, a pivotal reference on herbal medicine. The manuscript showcases the intricate craftsmanship of the Baghdad School of miniatures and is valued for its significant role in the development of manuscript illumination in the Arab world.
Lebanese artist Ayman Baalbaki’s 2014 painting 7ay Jober stood out among the modern works. Known for his poignant portrayals of war-torn landscapes, Baalbaki shifted his focus to the Syrian civil war, specifically the devastated Jober district in Damascus. Sotheby’s commented, “Baalbaki’s works during this time mark an enduring commitment to communicating the plight of regional conflict.”
Also featured is an illuminated Qur’an manuscript by famed 13th-century calligrapher Ya’qut Al-Musta’simi. Sotheby’s noted, “Al-Musta’simi is by far the most famous calligrapher in the history of Islamic art,” and this Qur’an is “an exciting addition to a very small corpus of manuscripts reliably attributed to the calligrapher.” It is expected to attract bids ranging from £600,000 to £800,000.
A set of 12 Abbasid pottery dishes from the ninth or 10th century CE also captured attention, showcasing the lusterware technique, which potters used to replicate the brilliance of gold. These beautifully preserved bowls reflect a rich variety of designs, from abstract motifs to animal depictions, and highlight the Abbasid era’s mastery of ceramic art.
