7th May, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
59
ADHAM WANLY (EGYPTIAN 1908-1959)
THE HARLEQUIN
signed Wanly lower right
pen and ink over pencil on paper laid on card
13.5 x 11.5cm; 5 1/4 x 4 1/2in
30.5 x 27.5cm; 12 x 10 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Private Collector, Dubai
Provenance
Zamalek Art Gallery, Cairo
Ubuntu Gallery, Cairo
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Exhibited
Cairo, Ubuntu Gallery, The Collectors Eye VII, 2020
Born into an affluent aristocratic family in Alexandria, Wanly received a private education alongside his siblings, including studying oil painting with his brother, Seif, under Italian painter Arturo Zanieri (1870-1955) (see note to lot 55). Wanly and his brother joined the studio of Italian painter Ottorino Bicchi (1878-1949) after it opened in Alexandria in 1929 to continue their painting studies. When Bicchi closed his studio in 1935, Wanly and his brother along with painter Ahmad Fahmi and filmmaker Mohammed Bayoumi opened their own studio in Alexandria. After travelling extensively throughout Europe, Wanly and his brother were appointed as professors at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria in 1957.
Wanly's early works drew influence from his studies under Bicchi, who was close to the Italian macchiaioli artistic group, which was influenced by the French Impressionist movement and the Ecole de Barbizon. Adham was later influenced by modern pictorial trends, such as Cubism and Fauvism. He developed a passion for performing arts and theatre characters, reflected in the work shown here.
THE HARLEQUIN
signed Wanly lower right
pen and ink over pencil on paper laid on card
13.5 x 11.5cm; 5 1/4 x 4 1/2in
30.5 x 27.5cm; 12 x 10 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Private Collector, Dubai
Provenance
Zamalek Art Gallery, Cairo
Ubuntu Gallery, Cairo
Acquired from the above by the present owner
Exhibited
Cairo, Ubuntu Gallery, The Collectors Eye VII, 2020
Born into an affluent aristocratic family in Alexandria, Wanly received a private education alongside his siblings, including studying oil painting with his brother, Seif, under Italian painter Arturo Zanieri (1870-1955) (see note to lot 55). Wanly and his brother joined the studio of Italian painter Ottorino Bicchi (1878-1949) after it opened in Alexandria in 1929 to continue their painting studies. When Bicchi closed his studio in 1935, Wanly and his brother along with painter Ahmad Fahmi and filmmaker Mohammed Bayoumi opened their own studio in Alexandria. After travelling extensively throughout Europe, Wanly and his brother were appointed as professors at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria in 1957.
Wanly's early works drew influence from his studies under Bicchi, who was close to the Italian macchiaioli artistic group, which was influenced by the French Impressionist movement and the Ecole de Barbizon. Adham was later influenced by modern pictorial trends, such as Cubism and Fauvism. He developed a passion for performing arts and theatre characters, reflected in the work shown here.
Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 7th May, 2025
Auction Location: London, UK
The Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art market has flourished over the last 15 years and continues to grow, establishing a strong foothold in the UK. Our expert department at Olympia Auctions has, uniquely among other auction houses, brought together the synergies of the Arab world, Maghreb and the rest of Africa, reflecting the mutuality and shared history of these regions.
Our previous sales have included works from the collection of the late Saudi collector, Dr Mohammed Said Farsi and the Zulficar Family Collection.
Each spring and autumn, we hold bi-annual, tightly curated, live auctions, offering both young and established collectors the opportunity to acquire works in a wide range of price brackets.
Contact expert Janet Rady to consign in a future sale or for any queries: janet.rady@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
For further sale enquiries please contact Isobel Bambury: isobel.bambury@olympiaauctions.com | + 44 (0)20 7806 5541
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Thursday 1st May: 10:00am- 8.30pm (Private View: 5:00 - 8:30pm including Panel Discussion at 7:00pm)
Friday 2nd May: 10:00am-5:00pm
Monday 5th May: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Tuesday 6th May 10:00am - 5:00pm
AUCTION
Wednesday 7th May, 12:00pm
Viewing
Public Exhibition:
Thursday 1st May: 10:00am- 8.30pm (Private View: 5:00pm - 8:30pm including Panel Discussion at 7:00pm)
Friday 2nd May: 10:00am-5:00pm
Monday 5th May: 12:00pm-4:00pm
Tuesday 6th May 10:00am - 5:00pm
AUCTION
Wednesday 7th May, 12:00pm
