The Al Zayani Collection of Middle Eastern Art has brought in double the estimated amount of £2.3 million / $2.9 million at Sotheby's London, with many artist records being set for works by Omar El Nagdi, Fouad Kamel, and Ayman Baalbaki. This collection is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East, with almost 100 works representing a multitude of artworks from the historic Islamic world to modern and contemporary international art and design.
Abdulrahman Al Zayani, one of the leading collectors in the Middle East, and his family have assembled this impressive collection of art, which showcases the vast artistic production created over the last century in the Middle East. The collection features artists from Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and North Africa, each exploring myriad themes and mediums, representing different aesthetics that are intertwined with the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The auction saw spirited bidding from private collectors and institutions alike, with almost 95% of the lots finding new homes, and over half of the artworks selling for more than their high estimates. Among the top lots of the day were Omar El Nagdi's Alif, which sold for £330,200 / $410,505, Fouad Kamel's Untitled (The Drinker), which sold for £241,300 / $299,984, and Ayman Baalbaki's Mulatham, which sold for £228,600 / $284,196.
The auction also saw artist records being set for Gazbia Sirry's The Garden, which sold for £120,650 / $149,992, and Ardian Özmenoglu and Zeinab Al Sageny. Abdel Hadi El-Gazzar's Untitled (Gratzella's Portrait) also fetched an impressive £107,950 / $134,203.
The Al Zayani Collection of Middle Eastern Art showcases a rich diversity of artworks and represents the richness and complexity of Middle Eastern culture. It is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the Al Zayani family and their commitment to preserving and promoting the artistic heritage of the region. Sotheby's bi-annual 20th Century Art / Middle East online sale is also open for bidding until 27th April and is a great opportunity for art enthusiasts to own a piece of Middle Eastern art history.
