Zeinab Abd El Hamid

(Egypt, 1919-2002)

Al Moez Ledin Allah Al Fatemi Street

Footnotes

A large and majestic 1980's oil painting by Zeinab Abdel Hamid depicting Islamic Cairo's Al-Muizz Street from the collection of the artists family

Provenance:
Property from the Artist's Estate, Cairo

Published:
Provisionally selected for publication in Modern Painting in Egypt, Aimee Azar, Edited by Valerie Didier and Hussam Rashwan, Editions Norma, 2023

Depicting a bustling thoroughfare in Cairo's historic Al Muiz Street, this large-scale painting by Egyptian artist Zeinab Abdel Hamid is a striking example of her bold and dynamic style. Painted entirely in multicoloured outlines against a white background, the composition captures the energy and vibrancy of the street, with its winding alleys, ornate facades, and throngs of people.

Abdel Hamid's use of vibrant colours and dynamic strokes creates a sense of movement and rhythm throughout the painting, drawing the viewer's eye through the busy scene. The intricate detailing of the architecture and urban scenery adds a sense of depth and texture to the composition, while the absence of solid forms or shadows gives the painting an ethereal, graphic like quality.

With its bold and evocative style, "Al Muizz Street" is a captivating work that showcases Abdel Hamid's unique vision and mastery of colour and form. A powerful and animated work, this painting comes directly from the illustrious collection of the artists family.

Al Muizz street is one of the oldest and most important thoroughfares in Historic Cairo, Egypt. The street is over a kilometre long and is lined with historic buildings and landmarks, including mosques, madrasas, and marketplaces that date back to the Fatimid and Mamluk periods. Walking along Al Muizz street is like taking a step back in time, as many of the buildings have been beautifully restored and preserved, allowing visitors to experience the rich history and culture of Egypt's capital city. The street is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is considered one of the most significant cultural and architectural treasures of Cairo.

Zeinab Abd al-Hamid was a pioneering Egyptian artist who worked in numerous media. Born in 1919, she studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cairo and later became a professor of painting at the same institution. She was known for her works in both painting and sculpture, which were influenced by her interest in ancient Egyptian Art, Mythology and local urban culture.