Madonna Of The Oranges — Ismail Shammout

Madonna of the Oranges

Ismail Shammout’s ‘Madonna of the Oranges’ reimagines a Renaissance icon in Palestinian context. Oil painting, vibrant oranges, & poignant storytelling – explore this unique artwork.


ismail shammout (1930 - 2006)

Explore the poignant Palestinian art of Ismail Shammout. Witness his powerful depictions of displacement & resilience through iconic works like 'Battle of Karama'. Discover a legacy of art and history.

Barjeel Art Foundation (Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)

ostering dialogue and understanding within the art community. More Than a Museum: A Catalyst for Dialogue What truly sets the Barjeel Art Foundation apart is its unwavering dedication to promoting Arab modern and contemporary art on a global scale. It’s not simply about displaying beautiful objects; it's about fostering critical thinking

In this late painting, Shammout transforms the artistic icon of the Italian Renaissance—the pieta of the Madonna cradling the baby Jesus—into a young Palestinian mother. Delicately draped in a white shroud, the Palestinian Madonna stands proudly in an orange grove. With her young daughter at her side, the mother lovingly carries her sleeping baby. The three figures are framed by a lush tree, ripe with bright oranges. In the background, a man and young boy harvest the fruit. Painted in the year the artist first returned to visit his place of birth Al-Lydd after fifty years, Shammout signals the continual flowering of nature and optimism for future generations of Palestinians through the abundance of oranges and his youthful characters.