The Barakat Gallery is an antiquities dealership with one of the largest collections of ancient art for sale in the world, located at multiple locations, including London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Seoul.
Barakat Gallery stands as a distinguished institution in the art world, founded and nurtured by Fayez Barakat, born into a Palestinian farming family in 1949. Rooted in a deep appreciation for art and history, the gallery has evolved from a modest shop in a Jerusalem Souq to a global powerhouse with locations in key cultural hubs such as London, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, and Seoul. Fayez's early exposure to art through his family's vineyards in the Hebron Hills sparked a lifelong passion, eventually leading him to work alongside prominent archaeologists, including Kathleen Kenyon and Nelson Glueck.
Specializing in classical, biblical, Egyptian, and Mesoamerican art, Barakat Gallery's collections transcend conventional boundaries, reflecting Fayez's eclectic and culturally promiscuous approach to collecting. The gallery's expansion to international destinations and its unique emphasis on the energy and spirit of artifacts distinguish it as a cultural force. Barakat Gallery serves not only as a commercial enterprise but as a guardian of historical narratives, fostering a continuum of art as an integral part of the human experience.
Fayez Barakat, born into a Palestinian farming family in 1949, cultivated a profound connection with art from an early age through his family's vineyards in the Hebron Hills. Generations of villagers unearthing artifacts during ploughing inspired Fayez's grandfather to preserve these pieces, setting the stage for his lifelong passion for archaeology. Working alongside British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon and studying under Middle Eastern scholars like Nelson Glueck and William Dever, Fayez honed his skills, particularly in ancient coinage. Despite initially considering a medical career, he joined the family business, overseeing its expansion across multiple locations in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The gallery's early collections focused on classical, biblical, Egyptian, and Mesoamerican art. A pivotal encounter with film director John Huston influenced Fayez to establish his first overseas gallery in Beverly Hills in 1983, following openings in Amman, Jordan (1973), London (2003), and the Emirates Palace (2008), with later additions in Seoul (2016) and Hong Kong (2017). Fayez's collecting habits evolved beyond commercial value, emphasizing the spirit and energy of the artifacts.
Throughout his life, Fayez faced personal tragedies, losing his son and first wife to cancer. Despite these challenges, he found solace in painting, often creating artworks into the early hours. As Barakat Galleries became more self-reliant, Fayez focused on his paintings, exhibiting them in gallery shows worldwide. The gallery's expansion continued, with locations in Abu Dhabi (2007-2015) and the relocation of the Beverly Hills branch to LCDQ in 2017.
Fayez Barakat's mission is to transcend conventional notions of art collection, emphasizing a profound connection to history and culture. Born into a Palestinian farming family in 1949, Barakat's journey from a childhood surrounded by vineyards in the Hebron Hills to the helm of a global art institution reflects his unwavering commitment to preserving the stories embedded in ancient artifacts. His mission extends beyond the commercial aspects of art curation; it encompasses a dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of diverse historical narratives, ensuring that each artifact becomes a conduit for cultural exchange and appreciation.
Barakat's eclectic approach to collecting, influenced by his formative years working with archaeologists and scholars, underscores his commitment to capturing the energy and spirit of each piece. Through the expansion of Barakat Gallery to international locations such as London, Beverly Hills, Hong Kong, and Seoul, Fayez Barakat strives to create a global platform that transcends geographical boundaries, allowing people from different corners of the world to connect with the rich tapestry of human history.
The vision of Barakat Gallery is to serve as a global nexus of cultural exploration and understanding, where the rich tapestry of human history comes alive through meticulously curated artifacts. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity, education, and accessibility, Barakat Gallery envisions a world where diverse communities can engage with and appreciate the cultural heritage of civilizations spanning millennia.
By fostering an environment that transcends traditional art curation, the gallery seeks to inspire curiosity, dialogue, and a profound sense of connection to our shared human story, promoting a universal appreciation for the artistry and ingenuity that defines our collective past.
The African collection captures the continent's cultural vibrancy, while the Asian collection showcases the artistic diversity of the region. In the Biblical collection, artifacts from the Holy Land bring to life stories from ancient scriptures, and the Byzantine collection highlights the artistic legacy of the Byzantine Empire.
The Chinese collection features exquisite artifacts reflecting China's rich cultural heritage, and the Egyptian collection transports visitors to the fascinating world of ancient Egypt. The Classical collection showcases the artistry of ancient Greece and Rome, and the Islamic collection celebrates the beauty and complexity of Islamic art. The Near Eastern collection encompasses artifacts from various ancient civilizations in the region, while the Pre-Columbian collection explores the art of pre-Columbian America.
Russian Icons form a unique part of the collection, offering insights into the religious art of Eastern Christianity. The Decorative Art collection features aesthetically captivating pieces, and the Jewelry collection showcases intricate ornaments from different cultures. Numismatics enthusiasts can explore the history of currency through the extensive Numismatics collection. Additionally, the Antiquities for the Home collection presents artifacts that seamlessly blend history with contemporary living, allowing enthusiasts to integrate pieces of the past into their homes.
