Artwork
A View From the Bekaa
A View From the Bekaa 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
Created circa 1939, this watercolor by Moustafa Farroukh presents a quiet scene of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. The composition balances a modestly rendered field in the foreground with a line of Italian cypress trees that rise toward a softly illuminated sky. A gentle horizon of distant hills adds depth, while the overall palette conveys a calm, early‑day atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a moment of sunrise over the fertile Bekaa plain, emphasizing the region’s agricultural character and its iconic cypress silhouettes. By juxtaposing the open field with the structured trees, Farroukh suggests a harmonious relationship between cultivated land and natural elements, inviting contemplation of the valley’s enduring tranquility.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor, the painting exploits the medium’s translucency to render delicate atmospheric effects. Layered washes of brown, green, and ochre define the terrain, while subtle gradations of yellow and orange convey the dawning light. Farroukh’s handling of pigment allows the forms to remain softly defined, characteristic of his lyrical approach to landscape.
History & Provenance
Moustafa Farroukh, a prolific Lebanese artist with a catalogue exceeding two thousand pieces, produced this work during a period of heightened national artistic activity. The painting entered the collection of the Sursock Museum, where it remains on display, reflecting the institution’s commitment to preserving early 20th‑century Lebanese visual heritage.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
