Slaves in the Modern Mediterranean. 17th-18th Centuries

Starting March 31st, the Arab World Institute presents an unprecedented exhibition that sheds light on a little-known episode in Mediterranean history: the Muslim and Christian slaves reduced to servitude on both sides of the Mediterranean between the 17th and 18th centuries. This exhibition, which spans over three centuries, explores the profound impact this history has had on European cultures. Among the exceptional artworks displayed, you can admire an *en plein air* drawing of a Muslim slave by the chief painter of Louis XIV, Charles Lebrun, as well as a series of engravings depicting galley slaves working in Italian ports. You will also discover letters written by captives that were read aloud, offering a unique perspective on their condition. This exhibition is a must for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of this forgotten period and its lasting influence on our cultural history.