Bronze artifacts from Cambodia displayed at the Guimet Museum in Paris
Cruising past the stone temples of Angkor, you'll find the hidden gems of Khmer artistry — bronze treasures. The Guimet Museum in Paris is giving these treasures their due with a lavish exhibition running until September 8, centered around a restored monumental statue of Vishnu, dubbed "The Mona Lisa of Cambodia."
Six centuries of Khmer royalty may have built their legacy on the architecture of temples and stone statues, but the folklore of Angkor is brimming with precious metal deities that often get overlooked. This exhibition dives into the depths of Khmer bronze art, spanning from its origins in the first millennium BCE to present-day masterpieces.
The exhibition is a captivating blend of art history, technique, and religion, painting a complete panorama of bronze art, as explained by Pierre Baptiste, director of collections and conservation at the Guimet Museum. Visitors embark on a journey through the major sites of Khmer heritage, encountering the genesis of copper mines, the dawn of metallurgy, ancient Buddhist and Hindu bronzes, the height of artistic excellence during the Angkorian period, and the innovation of contemporary pieces.
Power and art have always been intertwined according to this exhibition, as reflected in the partnership between the ruling sovereigns and specialized artisans.
The pièce de résistance of this exhibit is undeniably the Vishnu of the Western Mebon, a 1200-year-old bronze statue, often referred to as the "Mona Lisa of Cambodia." Renowned for its significance, this work of art, measuring over five meters in length, represents one of the scarce instances of the Hindu god Vishnu depicted in his reclining form.
Originationally housed at the National Museum of Cambodia, the statue was discovered in 1936 at the Angkor site. For this exhibition, the National Museum of Cambodia graciously loaned 126 out of the 210 pieces displayed. This iconic sculpture, once only partially exhibited, is now restored and shown in its entirety for the first time, complete with parts of its legs and torso.
Before this recent restoration, the Vishnu statue was depicted lying on an immense serpent, with the head of the reptile arising above it, and at its feet, possibly its wife Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and charm, massaging its legs. From its navel, a lotus flower might have been directed towards the sky on which the god Brahma, the Creator in Hinduism, sat, creating the new world, as Pierre Baptiste, the specialist, explains.
"Because that's what this statue embodies, it's the symbol of the creation of the world," he concludes.
This exhibition offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient world of the Khmer kingdom, inviting viewers to marvel at the intricate bronze artistry that played a crucial role in the religious, cultural, and political landscape of this fascinating civilization.
[1] "Angkor Royal Bronzes: Art of the Divine" Guimet Museum Official Website
[2] "Temple recovered Khmer bronze sculptures make their way to Paris" Apollo Magazine
[3] "Mona Lisa of Cambodia" British Museum Blog
[4] "Bronze sculptures from Angkor" Siam Society Review
[5] "Khmer Bronzes at the Paris Guimet Museum" Khmer Times
This exhibition reflects upon the complex history and culture of the Khmer civilization through the lens of bronze art. The display features over 200 Khmer artifacts and is divided into various sections that trace the evolution of Khmer art from the 9th century to the modern era. The showcase includes the centerpiece, a four-meter reclining Vishnu bronze statue, recently restored to reveal its full splendor for the first time.
The exhibition highlights the vital role of the Khmer monarchy as patrons of bronze casting, weaving together threads of art and power throughout history. By displaying these artworks within their historical and religious context, visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the deep-rooted symbolism and artistic techniques that defined Khmer bronzes.
Running from April 30 to September 8, 2025, the exhibition was officially opened with an attendance by Phoeurng Sakona, the Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts.
- The Guimet Museum's current exhibition, "Angkor Royal Bronzes: Art of the Divine," showcases over 200 Khmer artifacts, including a four-meter reclining Vishnu bronze statue, restored to its full splendor.
- The exhibition delves into the historical and cultural significance of Khmer bronzes, highlighting the important role of the Khmer monarchy as patrons of bronze casting.
- The showcase is divided into sections that trace the evolution of Khmer art from the 9th century to the modern era, providing a comprehensive understanding of the deep-rooted symbolism and artistic techniques that defined Khmer bronzes.
- The "Mona Lisa of Cambodia," a 1200-year-old reclining Vishnu statue, is the exhibit's centerpiece, originally housed at the National Museum of Cambodia and discovered at the Angkor site in 1936.
