The House

A rural, night-time scene, complete with farmhouse, against a backdrop of woodland, with trees and muddy pathway to the fore, this all-too-familiar scene has a stillness about it, belying the physical and demanding work of agricultural life. The height of the greenery in the background reminds us that Lebanon’s countryside and mountainous regions, in particular, were a key source of inspiration for the artist, while the rich, velvety colours are signature Kanaan, perfectly conjuring up the post-dusk, pre-dawn hours. His works often have an ethereal quality to them, sometimes, like the piece for sale, featuring a solitary building, while on other occasions, containing a figure or group of people, seemingly suspended in time.
A self-educated painter, Kanaan was born in Beirut, where his talent was quickly recognised. During his career, he won several prizes and exhibited extensively, spending time in many cities, including Paris and New York. Kanaan avoided high society, preferring a more solitary artistic life. As well as painting, he held the post of professor at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts.