Lot 25 – George Bahgoury, (I) – (II) Untitled

(i) - (ii) signed Bahgoury in Arabic lower left
(i) watercolour on paper
(ii) pen on paper
(i) 30.5 x 36.6cm; 12 x 14 3/8in
38.9 x 49.6cm; 15 1/4 x 19 1/2in (mounted)
(ii) 49 x 33.5cm; 19 1/4 x 13 1/8in
54.5 x 41.8cm; 21 1/2 x 16 1/2in (mounted)

Property from the Zulficar Family Collection, Alexandria

George Bahgoury is a preeminent figure in the world of contemporary Egyptian art, widely celebrated as a master painter, sculptor, and the “grandfather of Egyptian caricature.” Born in 1932 in Luxor, Bahgoury’s work is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of his homeland, yet it resonates with a universal humanism shaped by his decades living and working in Paris. His signature style seamlessly blends the expressive fluidity of European modernism with the timeless motifs of Coptic and Pharaonic heritage, creating a visual language that is both avant-garde and profoundly traditional.

Throughout his prolific career, Bahgoury has established himself as a keen observer of the human condition. His artworks often pulse with the vibrant energy of Cairo’s streets, capturing the rhythm of daily life through bold lines and a rich, emotive palette. He studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cairo before further refining his craft at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, an experience that allowed him to bridge the gap between Middle Eastern and Western artistic perspectives. This dual identity is a hallmark of his portfolio, which ranges from poignant political cartoons that challenged social norms to monumental oil paintings that explore themes of music, spirituality, and national identity.

Bahgoury’s contributions to the arts have been recognised through numerous international exhibitions and prestigious awards, and his works are held in esteemed collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art and various private institutions across Europe and the Middle East. Beyond the gallery walls, he is a respected critic and author, having published several books that reflect his philosophical approach to creativity. Today, George Bahgoury remains an enduring icon of the Arab art world, continuing to inspire new generations of artists with his unwavering commitment to artistic freedom and his unique ability to find beauty in the intricate details of the Egyptian spirit.