Muhammad Ben Ali Ribati

Mohammed ben Ali R'bati (; 1861–1939), also known as Ben Ali Rabbati, was a Moroccan painter and cook who was described as "the father of Moroccan painting". He was known for his blend of traditional influences with European-style art with his paintings mainly revolved around life in the city of Tangier, where he was lived.

Born in Rabat where he received an Islamic education, R'bati and his family moved to Tangier at 25 where he pursued a career as an artisan carpenter and as a chef. During his youth, R'bati had practiced illustration as a hobby, but was never formally trained in arts.

R'bati's career began in 1903 after meeting Irish painter Sir John Lavery who noticed him selling handmade postcards, Lavery recruited him as a cook and encouraged him to start making watercolor paintings which he sold to Tangier's upper class. R'bati held exhibitions across the globe, notably in London, Marseille and Marrakesh.

In 1933, R'bati was offered a workshop in the center of Tangier and opened a restaurant the same year. He largely lived a life of poverty, and died in 1939 of a heart attack.

Early life and education R'bati depicted as a child with a dog, detail from In Morocco by John Lavery. National Gallery of Victoria Mohamed ben Ali R'bati was born in Rabat in 1861, with his birthplace reflected in his surname. Born in a modest family, he attended a madrasa in his youth where he memorized the Quran.

In 1916, R'bati visited London with Lavery, where his first exhibition was held at the Goupil Gallery in London. He is described as a modernist. He is described by Vogue as the "father of Moroccan painting". continued painting, often using their defunct father's signature on their works.

He lived a life of poverty due to his habit of spending most of his earnings on painting material and his difficulty selling his paintings in Tangier, which often led him to give away most of his artwork. R'bati's daughter recalls him as an affable man who often attended social gatherings in Tangier, including ones reserved for women.