KINGS OF THE WORLD. Art and royal power through the masterpieces of the Al Thani collection.

Since ancient times, the royal function has been systematically associated with a rich symbolic repertoire. The representation of the king constitutes a power issue, and testifies to the ways of thinking and ambitions of an entire society. The diffusion of a certain image of royalty - that of its prestige - is inseparable from a demonstration of splendor. Thus, the accumulation of sculptures, pieces of goldsmithery, paintings, weapons, and even jewelry represents an essential element of the politics of princely courts. These treasures say as much about the figure of the monarch as about its evolution through the ages and civilizations.