Fateh Moudarres was a pioneer of Syrian Modern art and is widely regarded today as one of Syria's most important Modern artists. He was born in Aleppo. Before pursuing any studies in fine art, he was self-taught. He then went on to the Fine Arts Academy in Rome, where he was influenced by Surrealism, and later returned to Syria to teach at the University of Damascus. Moudarres' grid-like compositions of stacked people or houses often depicted themes from Syrian folklore and mythology, as well as scenes of war and loss, whether it be a collective or personal loss. In fact, the tragic passing of two of his children is said to have never faded from the artist’s mind, nor his art. 

“Paysage Pastel” by Moudarres features peace and lightness, being painted only a year before his other work featured in this auction, possibly defining an era of Moudarres’ life where he had a surge in faith and hope. In this work, the artist pictures a kind and pastoral scene where the earthly and heavenly are linked - people are laying in a field and an angel is flying overhead and playing a clarinet. The laying figures’ bodies are hazy and lack hard edges which gives them a sort of peaceful glow. The artist’s use of color in this piece is also striking, the artist using a bright bloody red for one of his figure’s skin.