
Portraits of the Soul: How Marwan Kassab-Bachi Transformed the Genre of Portraiture
Discover how Marwan Kassab-Bachi revolutionized portraiture, capturing the essence of identity and emotion in his stunning artworks.
Signed lower right “Marwan”.
Sizes:
Frame: 89 × 69 cm | 35 × 27 in
Artwork: 70 × 50 cm | 27 × 20 in
Enter the world of modern expressionism with Marwan Kassab-Bachi’s stunning watercolor portrait, Kopf (Head), 1995. A masterpiece of emotion and technique, this painting showcases Marwan’s ability to capture the complexity of human identity like no other.
Kopf, a watercolor on paper, is a testament to the genius of Marwan Kassab-Bachi, the Syrian-German modernist who explored identity and emotion. Created in the latter part of his career, this fragmented, semi-abstract face combines abstract expressionism with figurative abstraction. Bold strokes and color contrasts lead the eye through an emotional narrative, hovering between abstraction and humanity.
The painting is in a dark wooden frame with double matting to emphasize its depth and beauty so it’s a focal point anywhere it’s placed.
Worldwide known for his emotive portraiture, Kassab-Bachi’s Kopf series is a lifetime of exploring human emotion and psyche. Each brushstroke tells a story, inviting the viewer to dive into the complexity of identity, tradition and modernity. This piece, hand signed by the artist and from a Polish private collection, has a deep connection to Marwan’s artistic legacy and the broader discourse of post-war European art.
Buying an original Marwan Kassab-Bachi is more than buying art for your collection, it’s buying a legacy. Rare and highly collectible, Kopf is for modern expressionism collectors, post-war European art enthusiasts and Middle Eastern contemporary art lovers. Its exclusivity combined with its historical and artistic value makes it not only a great addition to any collection but also a smart investment in art that will last.Add depth to your space with a thought provoking piece—whether for your personal collection, a museum show or a curatorial highlight. Marwan’s Kopf (1995) is not only visually stunning but a door to a conversation about the human condition, modernism and one of the 20th century’s most important artistic voices.
Get a piece of history that touches the soul. Kopf (1995) by Marwan Kassab-Bachi is more than an artwork; it’s a window into life and identity, made with unparalleled emotion. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to add a rare and beautiful piece to your collection.
Private collection, Poland.
Good vintage condition with some signs of wear. Framed.
Marwan Kassab-Bachi, known simply as Marwan, was born in Damascus, Syria, in 1934 and became a prominent figure in contemporary expressionist painting, renowned for his haunting, introspective portraits. After studying Arabic literature at the University of Damascus, Marwan moved to Berlin in 1957 to pursue art at the Hochschule der Bildenden Künste, where he was deeply influenced by German expressionism and the works of artists like Edvard Munch and Francis Bacon.
Marwan’s signature style emerged through his series of “Heads”, where distorted, layered faces served as metaphors for psychological depth, existential struggle, and the broader human condition. His work often reflected the tensions of identity and exile, bridging his Syrian roots with European artistic traditions. As a professor at his alma mater, Marwan influenced a generation of artists, fostering a dialogue between Middle Eastern and Western art. His powerful, emotive paintings continue to resonate as profound explorations of humanity’s inner landscapes.
If you have any questions or would like more details about this artwork, please fill out the form below, and our team will get in touch with you promptly.