Lot 323: A RARE UNTITLED WATERCOLOUR PAINTING BY JEWAD SELIM (IRAQI, 1919-1961)

A rare untitled mixed media work by the pioneering Iraqi modernist artist Jewad Selim (1919-1961). The composition is executed in pen, ink, and watercolour on tan paper, featuring two stylized figures in profile facing one another. To the left, a female figure with blue-tinted hair and pink floral accents is rendered with fluid, calligraphic lines. Opposite, at the upper right, is a bearded male figure. The figures are separated by a central geometric arrangement containing an hourglass form and blocks of blue, green, and yellow colour. The work seamlessly integrates calligraphic Arabic script into the decorative flowing lines of the composition. A signature in red ink characters is located at the bottom centre, transcribing as the artist’s name Jewad Selim (جواد سليم). The drawing is professionally mounted within a dark brown mat and housed in a textured gold-gilt wooden frame.

Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly from a private collection, Dubai.

29.5 x 29.5 cm (Work)
44.5 x 44.5 cm (Frame).