Paul Guiragossian (Lebanese, 1926-1993)

As with the previous lot, the present painting is of exceptional size and quality and shows such a group of women, presented in a row. This painting, however, is very broadly executed using thick strokes and modulations of similar hues and shades, mostly darker colours but with a striking pale figure off centre. The influence of icon painting on the work of the artist is something that has long been remarked upon, and the luminous impression given by this work is almost akin to stained glass.The style of this work is extremely rare in Paul Guiragossian's oeuvre and reserved only for his most monumental compositions. Nothing similar has before come to the auction market.