In a move that reflects international appreciation for Lebanon’s artistic heritage, the Louvre Museum in Paris announced on February 26 the acquisition of a remarkable collection of icons assembled by the Lebanese Abou Adal family. This collection, consisting of 272 icons, spans a period from the 15th century to the early 20th century and includes works from various regions, notably Crete, Greece, the Balkans, Transylvania, Wallachia, Russia, and the Levant.

Characterized by the diversity of its production centers and cultural exchanges, this collection contains a significant number of icons signed by renowned artists. It also features a rare set of icons produced during the revival of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch in the 17th century, particularly in Aleppo, shedding light on the artistic heritage of Arabic-speaking Christians in Syria, Lebanon, and Jerusalem.

This acquisition also underscores Lebanon’s pivotal role in preserving cultural and artistic heritage, as well as its contribution to enriching museum collections worldwide. Thanks to its iconic cultural institutions, foremost among them the National Museum of Beirut, Lebanon remains a beacon of art and history in the region.

The Louvre’s acquisition of this collection of Lebanese icons is a tribute to Lebanon and its people, and more specifically to the Abou Adal family. It highlights global recognition of Lebanon’s cultural legacy and emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding and passing on artistic heritage to future generations.