Artwork
A Sheep herder at the outskirts of Baalbek

A Sheep herder at the outskirts of Baalbek is a watercolor painting by Moustafa Farroukh. It dates from 1939 and is held in the collection of the Sursock Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Sheep herder at the outskirts of Baalbek is a watercolor painting created by Moustafa Farroukh around 1939. It captures a serene rural scene of an Awassi herder and his flock in a hilly landscape near Baalbek.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on an Awassi herder, dressed in traditional attire, confidently standing amidst his grazing sheep. The scene reflects Farroukh's interest in depicting everyday Lebanese rural life.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor, the painting utilizes soft, muted colors to evoke a sense of depth and texture. The hazy, light sky and dry landscape are characteristic of the artist's nuanced handling of the medium.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1939, the work is part of the extensive oeuvre of Moustafa Farroukh, a prolific Lebanese artist and author. It is currently held in the collection of the Sursock Museum.
Context
This work exemplifies Farroukh's broader engagement with capturing the essence of Lebanese rural landscapes and the people within them, set against the historical backdrop of mid-20th-century Lebanon.
Legacy
As part of Farroukh's large body of work (over 2,000 pieces), *A Sheep herder at the outskirts of Baalbek* contributes to his legacy as one of Lebanon's leading 20th-century painters, alongside his literary contributions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.



















