Artwork
The Artist's Atelier at Basta
The Artist's Atelier at Basta 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, *The Artist's Atelier at Basta* is an oil on canvas still‑life that records an interior space. The work belongs to the collection of the Sursock Museum in Beirut and exemplifies Farroukh’s extensive output, which exceeds two thousand pieces.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a modest room illuminated by daylight from a right‑hand window. Within the space a solitary chair, a framed picture, and a wall‑mounted mirror are arranged on a wooden floor, inviting contemplation of everyday objects and the quiet atmosphere of an artist’s workspace.
Technique & Style
Farroukh employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting bright sunlight with deep shadows to model forms and suggest depth. The handling of oil paint renders the textures of wood, fabric, and glass with a subtle realism characteristic of Orientalist interior scenes.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the holdings of the Sursock Museum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on early 20th‑century Lebanese art and Farroukh’s status as a leading figure of that period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
