Noor Soussi
Head of Department
Lot 39*
Adam Henein(Egypt, 1929-2020)Le Repos
Amended
24 May 2023, 16:00 BST
London, New Bond StreetSold for £63,900 inc. premium
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Nima Sagharchi
Group Head
Adam Henein (Egypt, 1929-2020)
Le Repos
bronze with brown patina
signed "A. HENEIN" (under left arm), the present work is an artist proof, from an edition of eight, executed in 1971
23 x 65 x 30cm
bronze with brown patina
signed "A. HENEIN" (under left arm), the present work is an artist proof, from an edition of eight, executed in 1971
23 x 65 x 30cm
Footnotes
Provenance:
Property from a private collection, Giza
initially acquired directly from the Artist in 1972
Illustrated:
S. Wright, Adam Henein, Milan 2005 (illustrated, p. 61)
Exhibition catalogue, ARTSPACE Grand Opening Group Exhibition, Artspace DIFC, Dubai, 2008 (another from the edition illustrated in colour, unpaged).
S. Eigner, Art of the Middle East: Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World and Iran, London 2010 (another from the edition illustrated in colour, p. 289)
Note:
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by the Artist in 2020.
This present sculpture by Adam Henein was executed in 1955 and reflects his sensitivity and artistic complexity even as a young man. During Henein's travels around the region of Luxor, Henein created this work, which combines elements of Pharaonic art with European Modernism. The sculpture depicts an Egyptian man resting in a traditional "galabiya," and its rough execution and sharp edges capture the fleeting motion of light, reminiscent of archaeological fragments from Egypt's rich cultural heritage.
Henein's sculptures are deeply rooted in his heritage, as he juxtaposes the life of a sculptor with that of a peasant. The sculpture portrays a laid back labourer resting after a long day of work, while Henein himself continues to hammer away at the bronze to create the image of the relaxed worker. Despite giving the sculpture a modernist twist, Henein still manages to delve into Egypt's elaborate history. Through his use of simple, minimalistic lines, he captures a palpable mythic essence while retaining simplicity. Le repos is an exceptional early work by Henein, showcasing the artist's acclaimed career and holding great mystery in the absence of detail.
"Le Repos" refers to a state of rest or relaxation; it is a term that has been used to describe many significant paintings throughout art history. There is no singular artwork or style that is definitively referred to as Le Repos, however, one notable Le Repos painting is by French Impressionist artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. This painting, executed in 1870, depicts a young woman in a state of peaceful repose on a sofa with a book in her lap. This work is significant for its elegant portrayal of the reclining female form and how it beautifully captures a fleeting moment of everyday life. Renoir's soft, sensual brushstrokes and warm, earthy tones emphasize her beauty and femininity. This painting heavily influenced countless artists in the decades that followed, is considered one of Renoir's masterpieces and is housed in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
Saleroom notices
Please note that the date of execution in the catalogue is incorrect. The correct date of execution is 1955.