Artwork
Al-Mrejeh
Al-Mrejeh is an oil painting by the Orientalist artist Moustafa Farroukh. It dates from 1939 and is held in the collection of the Sursock Museum.
About this work
Overview
Al-Mrejeh is a painting on plywood created by Moustafa Farroukh around 1939. It is one of the artist's still-life works associated with the Orientalist movement.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene landscape featuring a tree in front of a ruined stone structure with a cloudy sky. The scene conveys tranquility, with the bare tree branches and crumbling walls suggesting a state of abandonment.
Technique & Style
Farroukh employed earthy tones to achieve depth and texture, while the plywood medium introduces a distinct quality, with the wood grain visible in certain areas. The artist's use of chiaroscuro adds to the contemplative atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The work is part of the Sursock Museum's collection. Farroukh, a prolific artist, produced over 2,000 paintings and authored five books, often exploring themes related to Lebanese and Middle Eastern visual culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
