Lot 331: Issam El-Said (Iraq, 1938-1988) Head of Christ

signed and dated indistinctly lower right; inscribed Head of Christ I.El-Said C.C.C.C. on the reverse, watercolour, pen and ink, and oil on paper laid down on board, framed
25 x 15 cm.

Provenance:
Issam El-Said Foundation, London

An early work of Issam El Said, this was painted when he was reading Architecture at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge (1958-1961) as indicated by the C.C.C.C. on the reverse. He exhibited some of his works at the university and won an award in 1961.

This painting depicts a crucified Christ - not a subject matter Issam El-Said was known for being interested in. However, his father was seized by the mob during the 1958 revolution along with his grandfather, Nuri El-Said Pasha, who was prime minister at the time, and was reportedly crucified. It seems likely that this painting grew out of that trauma.