Street Scene with Figures and Architecture, 1980

Hafez Al Droubi (1914–1991) was a pioneering Iraqi painter and a central figure in the development of modern art in Iraq. Born in Baghdad, Al Droubi studied art in Rome and London, absorbing European modernist influences that he later integrated with local themes and traditions. He was known for his versatility, working across mediums such as oil, watercolor, and drawing, and his style evolved from impressionism to cubism, often depicting scenes of Iraqi daily life, landscapes, and portraits. Al Droubi was instrumental in founding several art groups in Iraq, most notably the Impressionists Group, and played a significant role in art education as a professor and later as the Dean of the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad.

Al Droubi’s work has been featured in major institutional exhibitions, including retrospectives at the Iraqi Museum of Modern Art and participation in group shows that highlighted the evolution of Iraqi modernism. His paintings are held in the collections of prominent museums in Iraq and the Middle East. At auction, Al Droubi’s works have appeared at leading houses such as Christie’s and Bonhams, achieving notable results that reflect his enduring importance in the Arab art market. His legacy is marked by his commitment to fostering a uniquely Iraqi modernist identity and nurturing generations of artists in his homeland.