Abdul Hadi El-Gazzar (Egyptian, 1925-1965)

This painting was made ont he request of a man called Abul Siba, who had recently returned from the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Observed and allegorical details are combined- the man is carries his luggage on his back and is dressed in the white robes of those performing pilgrimage, whilst he draws his sword, leads a lion and walks through a ground densely encrusted with folk decoration.