Iraqi Modernism - Jewad Selim

Jewad Selim (Iraq, 1919-1961)

Lamea 

oil on canvas, framed

executed in 1949 

61 x 46cm (24 x 18 1/8in). More

Depicting the prominent Iraqi poetess Lamea Abbas Amara, the painting, executed in 1949, is one with which Jewad had a well-documented personal connection, and it remained in the artist's collection until his passing, taking part in the landmark "Societe Primitive" exhibition at the Baghdad Fine Arts institute in 1952, where it was photographed alongside Selim and his wife Lorna.
After Jewad's death in 1961 "Lamea" remained with Lorna Selim till 1971, when it was sold into the equally esteemed collection of Iraq's preeminent art critic Jabra Ibrahim Jabra before passing to his family from which it was purchased by the present owner