Artwork
Baalbek, Temple of Bacchus
Baalbek, Temple of Bacchus is an oil painting by Moustafa Farroukh. It dates from 1939 and is held in the collection of the Sursock Museum.
About this work
Overview
Baalbek, Temple of Bacchus is an oil painting created by Lebanese artist Moustafa Farroukh around 1939, depicting the ancient Roman Temple of Bacchus ruins against a clear blue sky.
Subject & Meaning
The painting highlights Lebanon's rich heritage, aligning with Farroukh's thematic focus on the country's historical and mythological legacy. The Temple of Bacchus, a significant Roman archaeological site, is portrayed in a state of weathered grandeur.
Technique & Style
Farroukh achieved a sense of depth and texture by rendering the light-colored, rough-hewn stones and columns of the temple with expressive brushwork, set against a serene, cloudless blue sky. A nuanced color palette enhances the atmospheric and emotional impact of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1939, the painting is part of the extensive oeuvre of Moustafa Farroukh, a prolific artist and writer (over 2,000 paintings, 5 books). It is currently housed in the Sursock Museum collection.
Context
Within Farroukh's broader career, marked by both prolific artistic production and literary output (including a biography), this work reflects his dual interests in visual and written exploration of Lebanese identity.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
