Najjarine Fountain

Funduq al-Najjarin is a historic funduq in Fes el Bali, the old medina quarter in the city of Fez,
Morocco. The funduq is situated in the heart of the medina, at Al-Najjarin Square which is also
notable for the Nejjarine Fountain, an attached saqayya or traditional public fountain. The building
was designed for use by the merchants, traders, and visitors to the city of Fez and provided a storage
place. It is a prominent example of Moroccan riad architecture. Today it houses a private museum.
As a native of Fes I couldn’t restrain myself from expressing my love for my city through my art.

The painting represents the Najjarine Fountain, a breach stop for all merchants after long walks. A
saqayya is normally constructed as a part of the charity work and attached to the buildings such as
mosque as an accessory, but it constitutes an integral part of the structure for this funduq. The
saqayya is placed in front of the building, facing the square. The water was used for drinking,
especially for the guests of the hotel. It is enclosed by two columns and richly decorated by zellij,
stucco, and its own carved wooden canopy.

Using acrylic paint I représentent this magnificent historical Fountain paying attention to each and
every detail. I equally focused on the merchant drinking from the fountain. The presence of lights
and shadows gives a sense of liveliness to the painting making it more realistic. The marble detail
accentuate the Moroccan traditional touch of decor.