Ending 7th Jun, 2026 16:00
Olympia Timed: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art 2026
366
‡ AHMAD OSMAN (EGYPTIAN 1907-1970)
UNTITLED
signed A.OSMAN in English and signed and dated Osman / 1970 in Arabic lower right
charcoal on paper
33.5 x 23.6cm; 13 2/8 x 9 1/4in
41.7 x 32.2cm; 16 3/8 x 12 5/8in (framed)
Property from the Zulficar Family Collection, Alexandria
The Egyptian artist Ahmed Osman was a highly influential figure in the nation's modern art movement, renowned primarily as a sculptor but also recognised for his painting and drawing, as exemplified in the present lot. Born in the Nubian village of Eneiba near Aswan, his artistic journey began in Cairo at the School of Decorative Arts (Madrasat al-funun al-zaghrafiya). He later received a scholarship to study at the prestigious Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma in Rome and specialised in decorative sculpture in Florence, absorbing the classical Italian tradition. This foundational European training established the academic rigour in his early works, yet upon his return to Egypt in 1933, he began to infuse his art with a distinct local character, establishing himself as a prominent member of his generation of Egyptian sculptors and painters.
Osman's work underwent a significant shift towards realism and Egyptian national identity in the late 1930s. Moving beyond the Italian classicism of his student years, he began producing a noted series of bronzes, particularly busts of Egyptian peasant women. These sculptures are celebrated for their naturalistic depiction of rural life, capturing the distinctive features, simplicity, and joyous spirit of the fellaha (peasant woman) through realistic detail. This period marked his contribution to a burgeoning movement of Egyptian artists who sought to ground their modern styles in local, accessible themes, thereby connecting national heritage with contemporary artistic expression. Head of a Woman is typical of this style.
Beyond his artistic output, Ahmed Osman played a crucial role as an educator and cultural custodian. He was instrumental in establishing the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria (Kuliyat al-funun al Jamila al-Iskandariya) in 1957, serving as its first director, and he previously directed the sculpture section of the School of Fine Arts in Giza (Madrasa al-funun al-tatbiqiya).
His commitment to Egyptian heritage extended to major national projects, including participating in the relocation of the colossal statue of Ramses II in Cairo
and contributing to UNESCO's Nubian campaign by developing techniques for dismantling and reassembling the stone blocks of the Abu Simbel temples. Commissioned to create numerous public monuments, such as the monumental bronze eagle atop the Cairo Tower, Osman's legacy is woven into the educational framework and public landscape of modern Egypt.
UNTITLED
signed A.OSMAN in English and signed and dated Osman / 1970 in Arabic lower right
charcoal on paper
33.5 x 23.6cm; 13 2/8 x 9 1/4in
41.7 x 32.2cm; 16 3/8 x 12 5/8in (framed)
Property from the Zulficar Family Collection, Alexandria
The Egyptian artist Ahmed Osman was a highly influential figure in the nation's modern art movement, renowned primarily as a sculptor but also recognised for his painting and drawing, as exemplified in the present lot. Born in the Nubian village of Eneiba near Aswan, his artistic journey began in Cairo at the School of Decorative Arts (Madrasat al-funun al-zaghrafiya). He later received a scholarship to study at the prestigious Accademia di Belle Arti di Roma in Rome and specialised in decorative sculpture in Florence, absorbing the classical Italian tradition. This foundational European training established the academic rigour in his early works, yet upon his return to Egypt in 1933, he began to infuse his art with a distinct local character, establishing himself as a prominent member of his generation of Egyptian sculptors and painters.
Osman's work underwent a significant shift towards realism and Egyptian national identity in the late 1930s. Moving beyond the Italian classicism of his student years, he began producing a noted series of bronzes, particularly busts of Egyptian peasant women. These sculptures are celebrated for their naturalistic depiction of rural life, capturing the distinctive features, simplicity, and joyous spirit of the fellaha (peasant woman) through realistic detail. This period marked his contribution to a burgeoning movement of Egyptian artists who sought to ground their modern styles in local, accessible themes, thereby connecting national heritage with contemporary artistic expression. Head of a Woman is typical of this style.
Beyond his artistic output, Ahmed Osman played a crucial role as an educator and cultural custodian. He was instrumental in establishing the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria (Kuliyat al-funun al Jamila al-Iskandariya) in 1957, serving as its first director, and he previously directed the sculpture section of the School of Fine Arts in Giza (Madrasa al-funun al-tatbiqiya).
His commitment to Egyptian heritage extended to major national projects, including participating in the relocation of the colossal statue of Ramses II in Cairo
and contributing to UNESCO's Nubian campaign by developing techniques for dismantling and reassembling the stone blocks of the Abu Simbel temples. Commissioned to create numerous public monuments, such as the monumental bronze eagle atop the Cairo Tower, Osman's legacy is woven into the educational framework and public landscape of modern Egypt.
Auction: Olympia Timed: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art 2026, ending 7th 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.
