Twentieth-Century Egyptian

This sumptuous full-color volume retraces the highlights of Egypt’s twentieth-century art world through the private collection of one of Cairo’s most reputable private gallery owners. The 200 colour photographs of paintings from Sherwet Shafei’s collection represent works from very early art pioneers such as Mahmoud Said and Ragheb Ayad to later figures such as Hamed Nada and Youssef Sida.

In a comprehensive introduction that examines the life and career of Sherwet Safei and her pivotal role in promoting and creating a market for modern Egyptian art, the author also addresses the tendencies of emerging art collectors in Egypt’s “blossoming” market, the burdens of forgery, and the impact of globalisation on the art industry.

This book serves as a repository of Egyptian cultural heritage by offering a rare viewing of a valuable collection that has yet to be displayed in its entirety.