Mahmoud Mukhtar

Mahmoud Mukhtar

He is considered the Pioneer of Modern Sculpture in Egypt (1891 - 1934).

Birth and education

Mahmoud Mukhtar was born on May 10, 1891 in a village called Tonbara, in the Gharbiya Governorate, central Delta. He completed his primary education in Egyptian schools. His father, Sheikh Ibrahim Al Issawi, was the mayor of his home village.

Then his family moved to another village near Al Mansoura. There he lived as a peasant boy, nurturing dreams of childhood, playing on the banks of the village irrigation canal and making mud statues.

In 1902, he moved to Cairo, where he lived in Darb El Gamameez traditional district, which combined traders, artisans of traditional handicrafts, as well as masterpieces of Cairo's Islamic architectural monuments and arts. Living in this area, Mukhtar learned much more than he did from school education. This atmosphere was vividly reflected in his works.

In 1908, the private University and School of Fine Arts were established, thanks to the encouragement of prince Youssof Kamal. Mukhtar joined this school, where his talent was cultivated.

Upon the recommendation of his French professor La Plani, Mukhtar was sent to Paris to further his study. There, his attention was drawn to the rich heritage of the ancient Pharaonic civilization.

Due to the outbreak of World War I, he underwent difficult circumstances. During this period, he was engaged as a technical manager at Griffan Museum.