29th Oct, 2025 12:00
Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art
48
‡ EFFAT NAGUI (EGYPTIAN 1905-1994)
UNTITLED
signed Effat Nagui lower right
pastel on paper
35 x 25cm;13 3/4 x 9 3/4in
52 x 43cm; 20 1/2 x 17in (framed)
Property from the Zulficar Family Collection, Alexandria
Provenance
Acquired from the artist by the present owner
Effat Nagui, born into an aristocratic family in Alexandria and sister to artist Mohammed Naghi, developed a passion for art during her travels across Egypt. She studied frescoes and mural painting in Rome from 1947 to 1950, which greatly influenced her work.
Returning to Egypt, Nagui pursued a distinctive nationalistic artistic style, depicting peasant life and folkloric celebrations. Her early works reflected Fauvist and European influences, shaped further by private tutoring and travels with her father and brother. These experiences deepened her appreciation of Egypt’s ancient heritage.
Nagui exhibited Fauvist-inspired pieces in Alexandria and focused on rural scenes like those from Abu Hummus Village. From the 1960s, her art evolved as she researched history extensively at the Great Library of Cairo, drawing inspiration from various eras and disciplines.
In 1937, she was awarded a Ministry of Culture scholarship, enabling deeper immersion in Egypt's heritage. Nagui's internationally recognised work combined artifacts, colours, and objects, embodying the power and mystery of Egyptian traditions.
The Effat Naji and Saad Al-Khadim Museum was established in Cairo in 2002 to honour her legacy. The museum displays 198 works by Nagui and Saad Al-Khadim, as well as folk pottery and a library, preserving their crucial roles in Egyptian popular art and scholarship.
Sold for £900
UNTITLED
signed Effat Nagui lower right
pastel on paper
35 x 25cm;13 3/4 x 9 3/4in
52 x 43cm; 20 1/2 x 17in (framed)
Property from the Zulficar Family Collection, Alexandria
Provenance
Acquired from the artist by the present owner
Effat Nagui, born into an aristocratic family in Alexandria and sister to artist Mohammed Naghi, developed a passion for art during her travels across Egypt. She studied frescoes and mural painting in Rome from 1947 to 1950, which greatly influenced her work.
Returning to Egypt, Nagui pursued a distinctive nationalistic artistic style, depicting peasant life and folkloric celebrations. Her early works reflected Fauvist and European influences, shaped further by private tutoring and travels with her father and brother. These experiences deepened her appreciation of Egypt’s ancient heritage.
Nagui exhibited Fauvist-inspired pieces in Alexandria and focused on rural scenes like those from Abu Hummus Village. From the 1960s, her art evolved as she researched history extensively at the Great Library of Cairo, drawing inspiration from various eras and disciplines.
In 1937, she was awarded a Ministry of Culture scholarship, enabling deeper immersion in Egypt's heritage. Nagui's internationally recognised work combined artifacts, colours, and objects, embodying the power and mystery of Egyptian traditions.
The Effat Naji and Saad Al-Khadim Museum was established in Cairo in 2002 to honour her legacy. The museum displays 198 works by Nagui and Saad Al-Khadim, as well as folk pottery and a library, preserving their crucial roles in Egyptian popular art and scholarship.
Auction: Modern & Contemporary African & Middle Eastern Art, 29th Oct, 2025
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 Tahia Halim, Seif Wanly, Mahmoud Said and Mohanna Durra. 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 26th October: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 27th October: 10am to 8pm (Drinks 5-8pm)
Tuesday 28th October: 10am to 5pm
