Artwork
Portrait of Hussein Mahmoud Al-Hajj Darwich
Portrait of Hussein Mahmoud Al-Hajj Darwich 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 portrait by Lebanese painter Moustafa Farroukh presents a seated figure in traditional dress. The subject gazes directly at the viewer, his expression solemn and his eyes conveying a restrained intensity. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Sursock Museum in Beirut, reflecting Farroukh’s extensive output during the early twentieth century.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is portrayed in customary attire, including a white headscarf secured with a dark band, a traditional aqal, and a keffiyeh draped over his shoulders. A neatly trimmed mustache frames his face, emphasizing a dignified bearing. The composition suggests an emphasis on cultural identity and personal stature, inviting contemplation of the individual’s role within his community.
Technique & Style
Farroukh employs watercolor to render subtle variations of tone across the figure’s garments, achieving a delicate sense of depth and texture. The medium’s translucency allows for layered washes that define the folds of the clothing while preserving the immediacy of the facial features. The palette remains restrained, focusing attention on the subject’s expression rather than decorative excess.
History & Provenance
Moustafa Farroukh, a prolific Lebanese artist known for producing over two thousand paintings and authoring several books, created this portrait during a period of heightened national artistic activity. The painting entered the Sursock Museum’s collection, where it remains on display, serving as a representative example of Farroukh’s portraiture and his contribution to Lebanese visual culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
