Visitors to Angkor, Cambodia, and its temples are invariably struck by the stunning stone structures, remnants of the wealth and splendor of the Khmer Empire from the 11th to the 13th centuries. The impressive architecture and intricate bas-relief sculptures highlight the significance of these monumental sanctuaries, which once housed gold, silver, and bronze deities, serving as their primary purpose.
At Angkor, while the stone is undeniably grand, it merely serves as a backdrop for the once-present metallic figures. Although the gold and silver statues have been lost to time, bronze—an alloy of copper and tin, sometimes mixed with lead—has preserved a small number of these divine images. The upcoming exhibition, ‘Royal Bronzes of Angkor,’ set to open on Wednesday, April 30, at the Musée Guimet in Paris, presents a unique chance to explore these artifacts and connect with the rulers who commissioned them. This exhibition will feature works from Guimet and other French museums, along with 126 pieces on loan from the National Museum of Cambodia.
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