Inspired by Western expressionism and affected by cultural and social issues around him, Rafic Charaf was sensitive to both the human struggle and issues within Lebanon. Throughout many phases in his career, he painted subjects such as the folk hero, landscapes and calligraphy. In this work, Charaf paints Antarah, the hero of a folk tale. It is rumored that he used the face of a famous Robin Hood-like figure from Baalbeck.

Inspired by Western expressionism and effected by cultural and social issues around him, Rafic Charaf was sensitive to both the human struggle and issues within Lebanon. Throughout many phases in his career, he painted subjects such as the folk hero, landscapes and calligraphy. Many of his landscapes like “untitled” portrayed Lebanon, particularly the Bekaa valley, sometimes rendered bleakly.