Details
Faeq Hassan (Iraqi, 1914-1992)
Portrait of Rita Parker
signed and dated in Arabic (lower left)
oil on canvas
30 x 25in. (76.2 x 63.5cm.)
Painted in 1965
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist, thence by descent to the present owner.
Special notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
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Lot Essay


The present work is an immaculate picture by Hassan painted in 1965. Hassan painted many portraits both privately and publicly during his teaching at the Institute of Fine Art – later the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad. In this portrait, Hassan focuses the mind on the face of the subject and her immediate background while simplifying the details from the chest downwards and outwards.

Looking at these three paintings together; the three of which were painted in 1964 and 1965, it is not conventional to comprehend that they were all by the same artist. However, in the case of Hassan, his greatness lies in his technical ability and vision to use any style or technique to channel his feelings, unhindered. Hassan explained “I have tried many experiments and pursued many styles, but this has not been my sole goal. I have been trying to make my art very close to myself and make myself a mirror reflecting truly society and humanity.” --which is exactly what we see in these three paintings.

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