‘Faces Of Southern Arabia’ Will Open

At The Walters Art Museum July 20

AVV 4-30 #737

‘FACES OF SOUTHERN ARABIA’ WILL OPEN AT THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM JULY 20

BALTIMORE, MD. — The Walters Art Museum will present “Faces Of Ancient Arabia: The Giraud And Carolyn Foster Collection Of South Arabian Art,” on view July 20–September 7.

Southern Arabia, now the Republic of Yemen, played an important political and economic role during antiquity. The South Arabian kingdom of Saba was probably land of the Queen of Sheba, and ancient authors wrote about its immense wealth, huge temples and precious statues.

They marveled at its towering, multistory houses — the first skyscrapers — and elaborate irrigation systems including the first known high dam. Comprising over 70 sculptures, statues, relief carvings, and inscribed blocks, this exhibition examines the artistic sophistication and visual splendor works from the ancient Southern Arabian kingdoms that prospered through trade in incense and other precious commodities.

The incense trade route, which included the Mediterranean, Egypt and the Near East, led Western explorers to discover the region. Through a recent gift from the private collection of Giraud and Carolyn Foster, these mostly alabaster artifacts dating from the Fourth Century BC to the Fourth Century AD will bring to life the art and history of a rich culture of the ancient world, largely unknown to many Westerners.

Works by contemporary Yemeni artist Fuad al-Futaih, as well as modern-day photographs of countries, landscapes and people, will be included throughout the exhibition.

The Walters is at 600 North Charles Street. For more information, 410-547-9000 or www.thewalters.org.