Previously Unseen Artwork by Saudi Artist Abdulsattar Al-Mussa Revealed

RIYADH — A previously unseen oil painting by pioneering Saudi artist Abdulsattar Al-Mussa has been discovered by his son Ali, offering a rare glimpse into the artist’s early work from his time in Moscow.

The painting, believed to date back to 1979, depicts a woman washing another woman’s feet and is likely the original on which Al-Mussa based his later series “Al-Ars fe Al-Rafae.” It is a prime example of the artist’s figurative work, which focused on the everyday lives of Saudi residents.

Ali Al-Mussa told Arab News the discovery came as a surprise. “We know almost every single painting in the house. But this artwork was never seen by any of us, except for my mom.” He recalled his mother remembered seeing his father work on it, but the painting then disappeared and was never discussed again.

The work was created while Al-Mussa was studying for a master’s degree in fine art at Moscow University, where he graduated with distinction in 1982. The family had no paintings from that era, making the find particularly significant. The artist had gone to the Soviet Union despite it being forbidden at the time due to the lack of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and the USSR, studying under another name.

Al-Mussa, who passed away last year, is known for his black-and-white works capturing Saudi daily life—fishermen, women preparing for weddings, men smoking argeela or serving coffee. His son Ali described him as “fearless” and committed to translating emotions and memories onto canvas.

The newly discovered piece is currently in storage at the family home, but Ali hopes it will eventually be displayed publicly. “His works were never meant to be locked at home in a box somewhere,” he said. The artist’s work was recently featured in the “Bedayat” exhibition showcasing pioneering Saudi artists, currently on show at Ithra.

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