Seated Nude Woman Embracing Knees,

Issa Hanna (عيسى حنا), born in 1919 in Iraq and passing in 2006, is recognized as a pioneering figure in the development of modern Iraqi art. He was among the early generation of Iraqi artists who contributed significantly to the establishment of a national artistic identity in the mid-20th century. Hanna worked primarily in painting, with a style that evolved from realism to incorporate elements of abstraction, often reflecting the cultural and social landscape of Iraq. His works are noted for their expressive use of color and form, capturing both the vibrancy and complexity of Iraqi life.

Hanna was a founding member of the Society of Iraqi Plastic Artists and participated in numerous exhibitions both within Iraq and internationally. His work has been displayed at major institutions such as the Iraqi Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad, underscoring his influence on the country’s artistic heritage. In addition to his institutional presence, Issa Hanna’s paintings have appeared at reputable auction houses, including sales at Christie’s, where his pieces have attracted attention from collectors interested in Middle Eastern modernism. His legacy endures as a key contributor to the evolution of Iraqi visual culture in the 20th century.