The present lot by Hassan El Glaoui showcases the celebrated Tbourida or Fantasia tradition from the Maghreb region. In this spectacle, men on horseback adorn traditional white djellabas and ride together in synchronized fashion, charging and firing old muskets directly into the air. Commonly performed during monarchical celebrations, in front of the old city walls, this important event would come to play a major part in Hassan El Glaoui’s practice and features in several of his seminal works.

The present lot, Untitled (Riders) is executed in Hassan El Glaoui’s signature ochre palette. El Glaoui used this specific palette in his works to reference his beloved Marrakech, often nicknamed ‘The Ochre City’. In this work, El Glaoui offers a sincere snapshot of the traditions of his people and his love of country.

Hassan El Glaoui was born in 1924 to the last Pasha of Marrakech, Thami El Glaoui. Known as ‘The Lord of the Atlas’, Thami El Glaoui received official delegations from across the world, impressing his guests with extravagant banquets complete with Moroccan dancers, musicians and of course, the Tbourida.

Amongst his many visitors was British Statesman Sir Winston Churchill, who visited Morocco for the first time in the winter of 1935. The two statesmen became fast friends and remained close until the Pasha’s passing in 1956. Churchill’s travels to Morocco resulted in him crossing paths with Thami’s son, Hassan El Glaoui. Impressed by his talent, Churchill convinced Hassan’s father to allow him to pursue a career in the arts.

Churchill’s espousing plea led Hassan El Glaoui to study fine art full-time at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. There is no doubt that this unlikely relationship between Churchill and Hassan El Glaoui played a significant role in both of their artistic endeavours. Churchill was very inspired by Moroccan landscapes and often featured mosques and local street scenes of Marrakech in his works. The exhibition Meetings in Marrakech, at Leighton House London in 2012, tells the unexpected story of their friendship portrayed alongside celebrated works of both Hassan El Glaoui and Winston Churchill.