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Lot Essay
Eloquently exquisite and one of the most important collections in private hands, the collection of Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi represents a complete history of Egyptian art in the twentieth century. The collector, known for his profound passion and interest for Egypt, especially Alexandria, where he completed his studies, was the first Lord Mayor of Jeddah and is one of the Middle East's greatest patrons for the visual arts. While he was a driving force in the Egyptian art scene, Dr. Farsi was very supportive of young emerging art and artists and succeeded at establishing a close relationship with some great names of the international art world, including César, Moore and Vasarely.
Christie's is honoured to present from his collection, 31 works over the two sales of the October season. The collection showcases art from the first, second and third generations of Egyptian Modern art history, portraying themes such as plebian figures, daily activities and national patriotism to a deviation from representation of Egyptian setting. The collection features works by notable Egyptian artists including Mohammed and Effat Nagui, Gazbia Sirry, the Wanly brothers, Hamed Nada and Abdul Hadi El-Gazzar.
Dr. Farsi's prestigious collection comprises two rare portraits painted by Abdul Hadi El-Gazzar, one of which is an Italian Lady's portrait as referred to in several publications. This portrait is one of the most rare pieces from the Egyptian artist's oeuvre given that there are very few portraits by the artist that have been discovered. Thus, this portrait from the Farsi Collection is a rather exceptional and unique work, that evidently stands out from his later surrealistic paintings and drawings. The most striking feature in the portrait is that of the clothing of the woman depicted. She is wearing a woolen hat and has layered a green vest over her turtleneck sweater. Consequently, the woman's attire suggests that the production of this portrait was commenced on a cold, wintery day. Despite painting a winter hat, the artist has also shown a section of the woman's hair that is peaking out of her cap. The viewer notices that the woman is red-haired, the portrayal of which has been included as a feature of the subject's Italian heritage. The red-hair is complemented by the pursed, orange lips while the red-orange section of the Oriental looking backdrop, against which the woman is seated, harmonises with the coral lips and reddish hair, thus delicately giving warmth to the painting.
Christie's is honoured to present from his collection, 31 works over the two sales of the October season. The collection showcases art from the first, second and third generations of Egyptian Modern art history, portraying themes such as plebian figures, daily activities and national patriotism to a deviation from representation of Egyptian setting. The collection features works by notable Egyptian artists including Mohammed and Effat Nagui, Gazbia Sirry, the Wanly brothers, Hamed Nada and Abdul Hadi El-Gazzar.
Dr. Farsi's prestigious collection comprises two rare portraits painted by Abdul Hadi El-Gazzar, one of which is an Italian Lady's portrait as referred to in several publications. This portrait is one of the most rare pieces from the Egyptian artist's oeuvre given that there are very few portraits by the artist that have been discovered. Thus, this portrait from the Farsi Collection is a rather exceptional and unique work, that evidently stands out from his later surrealistic paintings and drawings. The most striking feature in the portrait is that of the clothing of the woman depicted. She is wearing a woolen hat and has layered a green vest over her turtleneck sweater. Consequently, the woman's attire suggests that the production of this portrait was commenced on a cold, wintery day. Despite painting a winter hat, the artist has also shown a section of the woman's hair that is peaking out of her cap. The viewer notices that the woman is red-haired, the portrayal of which has been included as a feature of the subject's Italian heritage. The red-hair is complemented by the pursed, orange lips while the red-orange section of the Oriental looking backdrop, against which the woman is seated, harmonises with the coral lips and reddish hair, thus delicately giving warmth to the painting.