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BY ALBERT CHEN
One of the most significant works to come to market by the Egyptian artist, Hamed Nada (1924–1990), triumphed at Bonhams‘ Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art sale in London. Battle for Liberation (Maerakat al-Tahrir), executed in 1970, sold for an extraordinary £216,300 (approximately $274,000), more than three times its pre-sale estimate of £70,000–100,000 ($88,600–126,600).
Widely regarded as one of Nada’s most important works, the painting is celebrated for its historical significance and artistic depth. It was first exhibited in the 1971 landmark show of Egyptian modernism at the Musée Galliera in Paris. Its exceptional provenance and unique exhibition history made it a focal point of the sale, capturing the attention of collectors from around the world.
Noor Soussi, Head of Bonhams’ Modern and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art Department, described the auction as a resounding success. “Battle for Liberation (Maerakat al-Tahrir) by Hamed Nada is a truly exceptional piece and one of the most important works by the artist to come to market in recent years,” she said. “Large in scale and distinct in its subject matter, the painting stands out for its distinguished provenance and its unique exhibition history. It is no surprise to see such a high level of interest in this work.”
The auction achieved over £2 million ($2.53 million) in total sales, a milestone reflecting the surging demand for modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art. Works by artists such as Nada and El Nagdi are increasingly sought after as collectors and scholars deepen their appreciation of the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. The success of the evening underscored the growing recognition of Middle Eastern modernism, reaffirming its place as a vital and flourishing sector in the global art market.
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