Artwork
Corniche of Raʾ s Beirut
Corniche of Raʾ s Beirut is an oil painting by the Orientalist artist Moustafa Farroukh. It dates from 1941 and is held in the collection of the Sursock Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1941 by Lebanese painter Moustafa Farroukh, this oil on canvas presents a tranquil coastal vista of Ras Beirut. A winding road follows the shoreline, flanked by palm trees, while a distant mountain rises under a cloud‑filled sky. Two figures in period dress stroll along the path, lending a quiet human presence to the landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The composition juxtaposes the urban edge of Beirut’s corniche with the natural prominence of Mount Sannine, suggesting a dialogue between the city’s modernity and the surrounding countryside. The leisurely walkers evoke a nostalgic view of everyday life, emphasizing calm and contemplation within a setting that blends sea, road, and mountain.
Technique & Style
Farroukh employs a warm palette of ochres and muted blues, applying soft, blended brushstrokes that convey atmospheric depth. The handling of light softens the clouds and sea, while the gradual tonal shift toward the distant mountain creates a sense of spatial recession characteristic of Orientalist landscape painting.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the work has remained in Lebanon, entering the collection of the Sursock Museum, a key institution for modern Lebanese art. The painting reflects Farroukh’s prolific output during the early 20th century, a period when he documented the evolving urban and natural scenery of his homeland.
Artist & collection
Artist
Moustafa Farroukh (Arabic: مصطفى فروخ; 1901 – 1957) was one of Lebanon's most prominent painters of the 20th century.
