Throughout his professional journey, Moustafa Farroukh captured the essence of everyday individuals on compact pieces of paper, illustrating a vivid tapestry of life that included pedestrians, residents, labourers, consumers, and traders. Frequently, these sketches were embellished with witty captions, adding a layer of humour to the observations. His artwork and caricatures serve as a window into the daily existence of people in Beirut during the early to mid-20th century. The present lot is among these creations, an illustration crafted with India ink. Farroukh's mastery of India ink allowed him to render a sense of immediacy, making each scene depicted a moment in time.

Moustafa Farroukh (Lebanese, b. 1901 - d. 1993) is a pivotal figure in the development of Lebanese Modern Art. Educated at the Royal College of Fine Arts in Rome and receiving his diploma in 1927, he subsequently pursued further studies in Paris under several renowned French painters. Upon his return to Lebanon in 1932, Farroukh took up teaching and dedicated himself to creating remarkable works of art, including landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, all of which genuinely encapsulated the essence of his surroundings. His significant impact and contributions to the foundation of a unique Lebanese Modern visual lexicon were acknowledged through prestigious accolades such as the first prize from the President of the Republic, the Lebanese Order of Merit, and the Order of the Cedar in 1955, marking achievements few have realised. He authored five books, and was considered a Modern theorist, holding many conferences for the Beiruti public.