VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents a Lecture: Rewrapping Gifts of the Sultan, Sunday, Oct 23, 2011, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Presented by Linda Komaroff, Curator of Islamic Art and department head, Art of the Middle East, Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The practice of exchanging gifts is universal to all cultures and all times. Gifts of the Sultan: The Arts of Giving at the Islamic Courts is the first exhibition to explore the complex interplay between the practice of gift exchange and the development of Islamic art.

The gifts in this exhibition—spectacular works of art made from rare and costly materials—are associated with the great Islamic courts from Spain to India, where gift giving was a fundamental activity, intended to further diplomatic and political ambitions; as rewards for services rendered; to celebrate annual events like the New Year or more-personal occasions such as weddings; and as expressions of piety, often associated with the construction or enhancement of religious monuments.

In this opening-day lecture, Linda Komaroff offers an introduction to Gifts of the Sultan as well as a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process of planning and realizing the complex exhibition, which includes loans from a dozen countries and 40 lending institutions.

This event is open to the public and free with general museum admission. MFAH Members always receive free admission. A reception to meet the speaker follows the program.

Promotional support for this program has been generously provided by His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for the Southwestern.