Safeya Binzagr – Saudi Arabia: An Artist’s View of the Past – 1979 – Signed

AED30,000

A rare signed collection of work by the pioneering female Saudi artist Safeya Binzagr (1940-2024).

Born in Jeddah, Binzagr was one of the region’s most important artists. Educated in Egypt and and in England, she later returned to Saudi Arabia and became one of the first female artists to hold a solo exhibition in the Kingdom, before showcasing her work widely overseas.

Binzagr’s art has rocketed in value recently, with a 1968 painting “Coffee Shop in Madina Road” selling for $2.1m at an auction in Riyadh in January. This was a new record for a work by a Saudi artist, and the third-highest sum achieved by any Arab artist

This is a beautifully-designed collection of her work, with 66 tipped-in colour plates divided into five sections. They provide a unique window on traditional life in Saudi Arabia, including its customs, street scenes, daily routines, jewellery, architecture and dress.

Signed by the artist to the title page in English and Arabic, dated 1993.

Large-format hardback, with thick-cut paper. Published in 1979 by Three Continents (Switzerland). First edition. In very good condition. Original unclipped jacket.  Previous owner’s inscription. 144 pages.