Nouri Al-Rawi (Iraq, 1925-2014) Waiting at Rawi oil on canvas, framed signed 'Nouri Al-Rawi' and dated '1976' in Arabic (lower left), executed in 1976 100 x 108cm (39 3/8 x 42 1/2in). Footnotes: Provenance: Property from the collection of the late Michael William Palmer, an American Civil Engineer and Art Collector based in Iraq 1976-1980 Thence by descent to the present owner, Texas Noori Al Rawi is remembered as one of the pioneers of Iraqi modern art. We are delighted to present these two superlative manifestations of the artist's work from the 1970s that capture his immense skill and technique. These hauntingly beautiful works instil a dreamlike quality through his use of distilled colours and textures which is visible in all his paintings. His work often portrays mystical oriental towns built around his magical childhood village of Rawa, in the Ambar province of Iraq. Al Rawi was a multi-disciplinary artist ahead of his time, for he was not only an artist, but he was also a prolific writer, art historian, and art critic. He is famous for writing one of the earliest books documenting Iraqi art, titled Reflections on Modern Iraqi Art, 1962 as well as a few other books on art history such as Introduction to Iraqi Folklore, 1962 and Jewad Salem, 1963. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com