Ragheb Ayad

Ragheb Ayad, born in 1882, is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in the development of modern art in Egypt. With a deep commitment to cultivating a distinctly Egyptian artistic identity, Ayad’s works captured the animated layers of daily life, local folklore, and popular culture.

As a member of the first graduating class of Cairo’s school of Fine Arts, which opened its doors in 1908, Ayad was an influential figure in the development of expressionism in Egypt. Through his early works in the 1920s, Ayad showcased his exceptional talent and unique artistic vision, featuring stunning landscapes of North Africa and silhouetted figures painted on cardboard with oil.