Ending 7th Jun, 2026 16:00
Olympia Timed: Modern and Contemporary African and Middle Eastern Art 2026
371
‡ ESMAT DAWESTASHY (EGYPTIAN 1943-2025)
(I) THE LOVERS
(II) UNTITLED
(III) THE PHARAOH
(i) signed Dawestashy in Arabic and dated 87-4-24 lower right
(ii) signed Dawestashy in English and Arabic and dated 2017 lower left
(iii) signed Dawestashy in Arabic and dated 21-2-1980 lower right
(i) pen, ink and colour pencil on paper
(ii) - (iii) pen and ink on paper
(i) 27.5 x 39.5cm; 11 x 15 1/2in
54 x 61cm; 21 1/2 x 21in (framed)
(ii) 48.5 x 63.5cm; 19 1/2 x 25 1/2in (visible sheet)
53.5 x 68.5cm; 21 x 27in (framed)
(iii) 34.5 x 24.5cm; 13 1/2 x 9 3/4in
57 x 47.5cm; 22 1/2 x 18 3/4in (framed)
(3)
Sold with a Certificate of Authenticity
Property from the Zulficar Family Collection, Alexandria
Esmat Dawestashy, born in Alexandria, was a multifaceted Egyptian artist known for his evolving style and deep influences from both Egyptian and international art movements.
Dawestashy graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts Alexandria University in 1967, specialising in sculpture. However, his artistic journey began much earlier, holding his first exhibition of painting and oil photography in 1962. Initially exploring abstract formations, he later drew inspiration from Dadaism, Sufi mysticism, and renowned artists such as Seif Wanly and Pablo Picasso.
Known for his ever-changing style, he often incorporated found objects into three-dimensional compositions that offer sharp social critiques and satire. His work seeks a balance between ancient narratives, popular epics, and the metaphysical realm, challenging conventional forms and styles in pursuit of a unique identity.
Over his distinguished career, Dawestashy exhibited widely, producing a diverse body of creative work including books, films, and illustrations. He served as director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Alexandria and headed the Alexandria Creativity Centre. Througout his lifetime, he received multiple accolades, beginning in 1962 with a first-place award for his oil painting “Waiting for Relief” at an exhibition organised by the Alexandria Student Union, which earned him a prominent place in the canon of Egyptian modern and contemporary art.
His works are part of prestigious collections, including those of the Ministry of Culture, the Faculty of Fine Arts Museum, and the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art in Cairo.
Esmat Dawestashy’s evolving artistic career demonstrates a strong dedication to innovation and positions his legacy as a significant influence on the future of Egyptian art.
(I) THE LOVERS
(II) UNTITLED
(III) THE PHARAOH
(i) signed Dawestashy in Arabic and dated 87-4-24 lower right
(ii) signed Dawestashy in English and Arabic and dated 2017 lower left
(iii) signed Dawestashy in Arabic and dated 21-2-1980 lower right
(i) pen, ink and colour pencil on paper
(ii) - (iii) pen and ink on paper
(i) 27.5 x 39.5cm; 11 x 15 1/2in
54 x 61cm; 21 1/2 x 21in (framed)
(ii) 48.5 x 63.5cm; 19 1/2 x 25 1/2in (visible sheet)
53.5 x 68.5cm; 21 x 27in (framed)
(iii) 34.5 x 24.5cm; 13 1/2 x 9 3/4in
57 x 47.5cm; 22 1/2 x 18 3/4in (framed)
(3)
Sold with a Certificate of Authenticity
Property from the Zulficar Family Collection, Alexandria
Esmat Dawestashy, born in Alexandria, was a multifaceted Egyptian artist known for his evolving style and deep influences from both Egyptian and international art movements.
Dawestashy graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts Alexandria University in 1967, specialising in sculpture. However, his artistic journey began much earlier, holding his first exhibition of painting and oil photography in 1962. Initially exploring abstract formations, he later drew inspiration from Dadaism, Sufi mysticism, and renowned artists such as Seif Wanly and Pablo Picasso.
Known for his ever-changing style, he often incorporated found objects into three-dimensional compositions that offer sharp social critiques and satire. His work seeks a balance between ancient narratives, popular epics, and the metaphysical realm, challenging conventional forms and styles in pursuit of a unique identity.
Over his distinguished career, Dawestashy exhibited widely, producing a diverse body of creative work including books, films, and illustrations. He served as director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Alexandria and headed the Alexandria Creativity Centre. Througout his lifetime, he received multiple accolades, beginning in 1962 with a first-place award for his oil painting “Waiting for Relief” at an exhibition organised by the Alexandria Student Union, which earned him a prominent place in the canon of Egyptian modern and contemporary art.
His works are part of prestigious collections, including those of the Ministry of Culture, the Faculty of Fine Arts Museum, and the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art in Cairo.
Esmat Dawestashy’s evolving artistic career demonstrates a strong dedication to innovation and positions his legacy as a significant influence on the future of Egyptian art.
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.
