Gamal El Seguini (Egypt, 1917-1977) Motherhood
Provenance : Provenance: Property from the collection of AbdulMagid Breish, London Published: Louisa Macmillan, Mysa Kafil-Hussain et others, In Vested Interests: from Passion to Patronage, The AbdulMagid Breish Collection of Arab Art, Skira, Milan, 2020 A rare and important 1960 sculpture by Gamal El Seguini Gamal El Seguini's sculpture 'Motherhood' is superlative not only in its artistic expression but also in its physical form, as it was one of the few sculptures cast during the artist's lifetime—a rarity given that most of his sculptures were cast posthumously. This sculpture captures the perennial theme of mother and child, a motif rich with emotional depth and aesthetic resonance, prevalent across cultures and epochs in the history of art. In 'Motherhood,' the theme is explored not just through the intimate lens of a familial bond but also as a broader metaphor for protection and nurturing. The sculpture depicts a larger form, the mother, enveloping and protecting a smaller form, the child, in a visual representation of maternal love. This arrangement isn't merely aesthetic; it reflects a deeply ingrained psychological and cultural narrative where the mother figure is seen as a protector and caretaker. Furthermore, El Seguini's work extends this motif to a nationalistic element, with the mother figure symbolizing Mother Egypt herself—guarding, nurturing, and protecting her children, i.e., the people of Egypt. This layer of meaning enriches the sculpture, positioning it as a significant cultural artefact that transcends personal mother-child relationships to invoke a sense of national identity and collective memory.
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