Artwork
On the Road to Brummana
On the Road to Brummana 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 captures a hillside road that ascends toward the village of Brummana. The composition is dominated by a line of stone pines that flank the winding path, set against a light, cloud‑dotted sky. Muted greens, browns and grays convey the quiet atmosphere of the Lebanese countryside.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents a simple yet evocative landscape, emphasizing the relationship between human passage and natural surroundings. The road, curving upward, suggests movement toward a destination, while the steadfast pines frame the scene, hinting at endurance and the region’s characteristic flora. The subdued palette reinforces a contemplative mood rather than dramatic narrative.
Technique & Style
Farroukh employed a loose, expressive brushwork typical of his watercolour practice, building depth through multiple glazing layers. Transparent washes of pigment allow underlying tones to shine through, creating a luminous quality. The technique of successive thin applications yields a subtle gradation of colour, enhancing the sense of atmospheric space and distance.
History & Provenance
The work belongs to the permanent collection of the Sursock Museum in Beirut, a key institution for modern Lebanese art. It forms part of Farroukh’s extensive oeuvre—over two thousand paintings produced during a career that also included several published books—reflecting his prominence in early twentieth‑century Lebanese painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
