3rd Jun, 2026 12:00
Live Sale: Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art, June 2026
14
EL HUSSEIN FAWZI (EGYPTIAN 1905-1996)
STILL LIFE
signed El Hussein Fawzi in Arabic lower left
oil on board
84.5 x 58cm; 33 1/4 x 23in
104 x 78cm; 41 x 30 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Private Collector, London
Provenance
Dr Mohammed Said Farsi
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2013
Literature
Dr. Sobhy Al Sharouny, A Museum in a Book: Selections From Dr Mohammed Said Farsi's Art Collection, Cairo, 1998, no. 11/35, pp. 146, 148, illustrated
El Hussein Fawzi was a central figure in the evolution of Egyptian modern art, celebrated as a pioneer of journalistic graphic arts and an academic leader. Born in the Helmia district of Cairo, he began his formal education in 1922 at the School of Fine Arts, where he initially focused on oil painting. His early talent earned him a prestigious fellowship to study in Paris, where he spent several years refining his craft. During this European period, he earned diplomas in lithography and decorative arts, and his skill was recognised internationally when he received an honorary degree at the French Salon in 1939.
Upon returning to Egypt, Fawzi dedicated himself to both education and institutional development. He founded the Department of Graphic Arts at the Faculty of Fine Arts and served as its director for many years. His influence extended to the southern reaches of the country, where he supervised the fine arts studio in Luxor from 1954 to 1960.
As a practitioner, Fawzi was remarkably versatile. While he was a master of classical oil painting, highlighted by his masterpiece El Dalalah, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful works in Egyptian art history. He was equally influential as an illustrator. He collaborated with the Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, creating illustrations for his stories in the Al Ahram newspaper, and spent years documenting Egypt's historic mosques through intricate watercolours and drawings.
His international prestige was further cemented when he became one of only four Egyptian artists selected to have their designs engraved on crystal by the Steuben Glass factory in New York. Throughout his long career, Fawzi received numerous accolades, including the State Prize and the Order of Sciences and Arts in 1963, as well as the State Prize of Merit in 1989, leaving behind a legacy that bridged the gap between traditional fine art and the modern graphic press.
Sold for £5,000
STILL LIFE
signed El Hussein Fawzi in Arabic lower left
oil on board
84.5 x 58cm; 33 1/4 x 23in
104 x 78cm; 41 x 30 3/4in (framed)
Property of a Private Collector, London
Provenance
Dr Mohammed Said Farsi
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2013
Literature
Dr. Sobhy Al Sharouny, A Museum in a Book: Selections From Dr Mohammed Said Farsi's Art Collection, Cairo, 1998, no. 11/35, pp. 146, 148, illustrated
El Hussein Fawzi was a central figure in the evolution of Egyptian modern art, celebrated as a pioneer of journalistic graphic arts and an academic leader. Born in the Helmia district of Cairo, he began his formal education in 1922 at the School of Fine Arts, where he initially focused on oil painting. His early talent earned him a prestigious fellowship to study in Paris, where he spent several years refining his craft. During this European period, he earned diplomas in lithography and decorative arts, and his skill was recognised internationally when he received an honorary degree at the French Salon in 1939.
Upon returning to Egypt, Fawzi dedicated himself to both education and institutional development. He founded the Department of Graphic Arts at the Faculty of Fine Arts and served as its director for many years. His influence extended to the southern reaches of the country, where he supervised the fine arts studio in Luxor from 1954 to 1960.
As a practitioner, Fawzi was remarkably versatile. While he was a master of classical oil painting, highlighted by his masterpiece El Dalalah, which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful works in Egyptian art history. He was equally influential as an illustrator. He collaborated with the Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, creating illustrations for his stories in the Al Ahram newspaper, and spent years documenting Egypt's historic mosques through intricate watercolours and drawings.
His international prestige was further cemented when he became one of only four Egyptian artists selected to have their designs engraved on crystal by the Steuben Glass factory in New York. Throughout his long career, Fawzi received numerous accolades, including the State Prize and the Order of Sciences and Arts in 1963, as well as the State Prize of Merit in 1989, leaving behind a legacy that bridged the gap between traditional fine art and the modern graphic press.
Auction: Live Sale: Modern & Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art, June 2026, 3rd Jun, 2026
If you want to start collecting striking modern and contemporary art in a newly developing market, our sales are for you. Each spring and autumn, the Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Department hold tightly curated, live and online auctions. Expect to find Arab artists such as Rabab Nemr, Ahmed Farid, Seif Wanly and Fateh Moudarres. African artists featured have ranged from modern masters such as Ablade Glover, Sam Ntiro and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, to contemporary artists George Lilanga, Jilali Gharbaoui, Famakan Magassa, Christano Mangovo, Oluwole Omofemi, Esther Mahlangu and Brett Seiler.
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 31st May: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 1st June: 10am to 8.30pm (Drinks 6-8.30pm)
Tuesday 2nd June: 10am to 5pm
