Who painted Hajj Hussein Beyhum?

Hajj Hussein Beyhum was painted by Moustafa Farroukh in 1939.

Where can I see Hajj Hussein Beyhum?

Hajj Hussein Beyhum is held by Sursock Museum.

Artwork

Hajj Hussein Beyhum

Moustafa Farroukh , 1939

Hajj Hussein Beyhum 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

Created circa 1939, *Hajj Hussein Beymem* is an oil on canvas portrait by Lebanese painter Moustafa Farroukh, a prolific figure of twentieth‑century Lebanese art. The work measures the dignified presence of its sitter, rendered in a restrained palette and composed against a muted brown backdrop. It is presently held by the Sursock Museum in Beirut.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents Hussein Beymem in traditional dress: a turban, a dark jacket over a white shirt patterned with subtle florals, and a full beard. His serious expression and direct gaze convey a sense of authority and personal gravitas, reflecting the social standing associated with the title "Hajj" and the cultural identity of the period.

Technique & Style

Farroukh employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, using contrasts of light and shadow to give the face and clothing a three‑dimensional quality. The subdued background recedes, focusing attention on the sitter’s features. This handling of light aligns the work with broader portrait traditions that emphasize psychological depth through tonal modulation.

History & Provenance

Moustafa Farroukh, who produced over two thousand works and authored several books, painted this portrait during a mature phase of his career. After its creation, the painting entered the collection of the Sursock Museum, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of Lebanese modern art.