Who painted The Village Guard?

The Village Guard was painted by Moustafa Farroukh in 1939.

Where can I see The Village Guard?

The Village Guard is held by Sursock Museum.

Artwork

The Village Guard

Moustafa Farroukh , 1939

The Village Guard 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

The Village Guard is a plywood painting created by Lebanese artist Moustafa Farroukh circa 1939. The work is a portrait of a solemn, moustachioed man wearing a white turban and shirt, holding a stick in his right hand, set against a predominantly yellow background with green accents.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a man of authority implied by his attire and stance, reflects Farroukh's emphasis on figural representation, capturing a figure of potential local significance or archetype.

Technique & Style

Farroukh employed plywood as the painting's base, an unconventional choice for the time. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing strong contrasts between light and dark, adds depth to the composition, though specifics of its application in this work are not detailed here.

History & Provenance

Created around 1939, The Village Guard is part of the extensive oeuvre of Moustafa Farroukh, who produced over 2,000 works and authored five books, cementing his prominence in Lebanon's 20th-century art scene. The piece is currently housed in the Sursock Museum's collection.

Context

Within the broader context of Lebanese art in the mid-20th century, The Village Guard represents Farroukh's contribution to the development of modern Lebanese painting, focusing on everyday figures and potentially exploring themes of identity and community.

Legacy

As part of Farroukh's vast body of work, The Village Guard contributes to his legacy as a prolific artist and writer who played a central role in shaping Lebanon's artistic identity during his lifetime.