Mahmoud Said – La Femme Qui Reve, 1946

Signed and Dated: Hand-signed in Arabic and “M. SAÏD” and dated “1946” in the lower left corner.
Verso Inscription: Hand-inscribed by the artist on the back of the canvas: “MAHMOUD SAÏD / LA FEMME QUI RÊVE / 1946”.

Executed in 1946, La Femme Qui Reve (The Dreaming Woman) is a masterful oil on canvas by Mahmoud Said, the pioneering father of modern Egyptian painting. The work depicts a serene, luminous female nude in a moment of quiet contemplation, set against an intimate interior background featuring a bookshelf. Said’s signature style is evident in the sculptural modeling of the figure, the warm, Mediterranean-infused light that bathes the scene, and the rich, jewel-like color palette.

The composition beautifully balances Western academic techniques with a distinct Egyptian identity, portraying the subject with an idealized, almost statuesque elegance. From the delicate jewelry and red lips to the flowing white drapery, every detail contributes to the dreamlike, atmospheric quality of the work. This piece represents Said at the height of his career, capturing the soul and timeless beauty of the Orient through a sophisticated modernist lens.

Private Collection, Alexandria, Egypt (acquired in the 1950s).
Private Collection, Paris, France (brought to France; by descent until 2021).
Private Collection, Spain (acquired from the above in 2021).

The work is in very good overall condition, with the oil pigments remaining exceptionally rich and vibrant. The canvas is well-tensioned on its original wooden stretcher. There are some minor, age-appropriate handling marks along the extreme canvas edges where it meets the frame. The verso of the canvas shows natural age-related toning and remains clean, with the artist’s handwritten inscriptions clearly legible.

All lots are sold as is. See Section 4 of our Terms and Conditions for return policy.
All inquiries must be made prior to bidding, as no further details can be provided after the sale.

By placing a bid, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions in full.

For shipments outside the EU, Spanish export tax may apply to certain higher-value artworks; no export tax applies within the EU. Any such tax is payable by the buyer. Please refer to our Shipping & Export Information page for further details.