Sotheby's to offer the only painting by Mahmoud Saïd depicting biblical figures to ever appear at auction

ARTDAILY

Mahmoud Saïd, Adam & Eve, 1937 (detail). Est. £300,000-500,000. Courtesy Sotheby’s.

LONDON---Appearing at auction for the first time, this sumptuous painting by Mahmoud Saïd depicts the Quranic icons, Adam and Eve as two imposing, almost surreal, figures within a lush desert oasis. Saïd is renowned the founder of modern Egyptian art during a time of intellectual renaissance in the country, and this daring and vivid work from 1937 perfectly encapsulates the dialogue between the history of art in Europe and the sensuous qualities of the prevailing Egyptian spirit. Adam and Eve will highlight Sotheby’s 20th Century Art / Middle East auction on 24 April, when it will be offered with an estimate of £300,000-500,000. [More]