Footnotes

Provenance:
Property from a distinguished private collection, Cairo

Published:
Various Authors, Monaco Alexandria, the grand detour: World-capitals and cosmopolitan Surrealism, Nouveau Musee National de Monaco and Zaman Books, 2021

Exhibited:
Villa Sauber, Noveau Musee National de Monaco, Monaco Alexandria, the grand detour: World-capitals and cosmopolitan Surrealism, December 2021 - May 2022

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." – Ernest Hemmingway

This exceptionally rare and important painting by Marguerite Nakhla, one of the pioneering figures of Egyptian Modernism, is a vivid portrayal of post-war Parisian life. Nakhla, among the first Egyptian women to receive formal training in fine arts, studied at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. This large and imposing work, created during the exuberant post-liberation period, captures the joyful spirit and unrestrained frivolity of a society returning to celebration after the hardships of war.

The scene, potentially set in the Théâtre de Paris on rue Blanche in the 9th arrondissement, is a dynamic and bustling composition filled with rich details. Yet, the exact location becomes secondary to the painting's broader representation of a cultural resurgence and a collective yearning for pleasure and normalcy. The painting is a visual symphony of joy, revelry, and human interaction, conveying the festive atmosphere of the time.

Nakhla's composition draws clear influence from the genre paintings of Pieter Bruegel, particularly The Wedding Dance, as she masterfully incorporates small, humorous details throughout the scene. The viewer's eye is constantly drawn to the multitude of lively moments—whether it's a waiter fumbling with a spill, an animated argument at one of the tables, or a couple caught in a lively dance. These vignettes, filled with comical and human elements, bring the painting to life, providing a narrative that invites closer inspection.

Marguerite Nakhla's approach to genre painting, along with her meticulous attention to the minutiae of everyday life, evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth. Through her distinctive style and vibrant palette, Nakhla celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, embodying the collective joy and lightness of post-war Paris. This painting not only highlights her exceptional skill but also underscores her unique perspective as one of the foremost artists of her generation.

Marguerite Nakhla's paintings are incredibly rare, making this work particularly significant. Her oeuvre is highly sought after due to her role as a pioneering female artist in Egyptian Modernism. This particular painting was a highlight of the major retrospective Monaco-Alexandria: The Great Detour: World Cities and Cosmopolitan Surrealism, an exhibition that showcased modern art from Alexandria, Egypt. The exhibition ran from December 2021 to May 2022 at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco (NMNM), solidifying Nakhla's legacy as a vital figure in the global modern art movement.