37 - RAKAN DABDOUB (IRAQI 1941-2017)

RAKAN DABDOUB (IRAQI 1941-2017) UNTITLED (ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS) signed and dated 1992 / R DABDOUB lower left ; signed Rakan Dabdoub in Arabic lower left oil on board 85.3 x 109cm (97.1 x 120.9cm framed) Sold with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Artist's son Property from a Private Collection, London Rakan Dabdoub was a prominent figure in Iraqi Modernism whose career was defined by a rigorous exploration of form and a deep engagement with regional heritage. Educated at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad and the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, his style evolved from classical figuration into a sophisticated, structural abstraction. Throughout his decades of practice, Dabdoub maintained a balance between technical precision and a rhythmic, almost lyrical approach to the canvas, earning him international recognition and numerous technical accolades. A significant portion of Dabdoub’s work was dedicated to the interpretation of folklore and literary tradition, most notably through his depictions of Scheherazade and King Shahryar from the One Thousand and One Nights as depicted in the current lot. In these series, he utilised his signature geometric style to reimagine the power dynamics of the narrative. Rather than relying on literal illustration, Dabdoub distilled these figures into symbolic forms, using layered textures and a controlled palette to evoke the atmosphere of the tales. His portrayal of Scheherazade, in particular, often emphasised a sense of structural grace, positioning her as a central pillar of intelligence and survival. In his later period, his work moved toward a more minimalist abstraction. He treated the canvas with a tactile sensibility, often employing thick impasto and rhythmic perforations to create surfaces that felt physical and enduring. These compositions moved beyond mere representation, focusing instead on the interplay of light, shadow, and patterned repetition. By the end of his life, Dabdoub had established a visual language that was both highly personal and broadly resonant, securing his legacy as a master of form and a vital contributor to 20th century art.