Artwork
Portraits of Rachid and Ahmad Mukhtar Beyhum
Portraits of Rachid and Ahmad Mukhtar Beyhum 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
Created circa 1939 by Lebanese painter Moustafa Farroukh, this oil painting presents a pair of men in formal attire within an interior space. Both figures engage the viewer directly, one seated with a book in hand, the other standing with a hand in his pocket, set against a backdrop of a bookcase.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays Rachid and Ahmad Mukhtar Beyhum, likely members of a notable family, emphasizing their education and status through the inclusion of a book and scholarly surroundings. Their direct gaze suggests a sense of presence and personal identity within the domestic setting.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting reflects the Orientalist tradition prevalent in early 20th‑century Levantine art, combining realistic detail with a compositional focus on interior décor. Farroukh’s handling of light and texture conveys the richness of the fabrics and woodwork.
History & Provenance
The portrait was produced during Farroukh’s mature period, after he had already completed more than two thousand works and published several books. It entered the collection of the Sursock Museum in Beirut, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings.
Context
Farroukh, a leading figure in Lebanese modern painting, often depicted prominent local figures, integrating Western techniques with regional subjects. This piece exemplifies his engagement with the cultural elite of the era, aligning personal portraiture with broader Orientalist aesthetics.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
