Artwork
The Unvailing
The Unvailing 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, *The Unvailing* is an oil painting by Lebanese artist Moustafa Farroukh, a prominent figure in the country’s twentieth‑century art scene. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Sursock Museum in Beirut, reflecting Farroukh’s extensive output of more than two thousand canvases.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a solitary figure—a woman in dark clothing—holding a vivid red umbrella before a modest house framed by trees and a cloud‑filled sky. Her direct gaze meets the viewer, lending the scene an intimate, contemplative quality that juxtaposes the muted attire with the bright umbrella and surrounding landscape.
Technique & Style
Farroukh employs a balanced palette, allowing the red umbrella to dominate the chromatic scheme while cooler tones render the sky and foliage. The handling of oil paint creates subtle gradations of light, giving the picture a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective that guides the eye from foreground to background.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the painting has remained in Lebanon, ultimately entering the collection of the Sursock Museum, an institution known for preserving key works of modern Lebanese art. The museum’s acquisition underscores the painting’s relevance within Farroukh’s broader oeuvre.
Context
The late 1930s marked a period of artistic experimentation in Lebanon, as local painters integrated European modernist influences with regional themes. Farroukh’s work from this era often blends figurative representation with symbolic elements, reflecting both personal narrative and the evolving cultural landscape of the time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
