Elderly Man With Books and Painting, 1971

Najeeb Younis (1930–2007) was a prominent Iraqi artist from Mosul, known for his contributions to the country's modern art movement. Born into the distinguished Al-Sharif Bey family, he pursued his passion for art by studying at the Higher School of Fine Arts in Cairo, graduating with honors in 1954. During his studies, he was influenced by Impressionism and the art of portraiture, particularly under the mentorship of Egyptian artist Ahmed Sabry. ([ibrahimicollection.com](https://ibrahimicollection.com/ar/node/83?utm_source=openai))

Upon returning to Mosul, Younis dedicated himself to teaching art in various secondary schools and later at the University of Mosul. In 1965, he established "Beit al-Fann" (House of Art), the city's first center for fine arts, nurturing a new generation of artists. His artistic style evolved into what was termed "popular realism," capturing daily life scenes in Mosul and its surroundings. His works often depicted vibrant local traditions, including the colorful attire and dances of the Yazidi community, as well as still lifes and natural landscapes. ([ibrahimicollection.com](https://ibrahimicollection.com/ar/node/83?utm_source=openai))

Younis's career was marked by numerous exhibitions both domestically and internationally. He held his first solo exhibition in Mosul in 1961, followed by another in 1965. In 1985, a retrospective showcasing 250 of his works was held at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Baghdad, and he also exhibited in London that same year. Subsequent solo exhibitions took place in Bahrain (1998, 2001) and the United Arab Emirates (2002). His contributions were recognized with several honors, including the Order of Pioneers of Iraqi Art awarded by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1996. ([ibrahimicollection.com](https://ibrahimicollection.com/ar/node/83?utm_source=openai))