Hammad, Mahmoud (1923-1988): Syrian painter and a pioneer of the Syrian artistic movement. He started in the impressionistic school before establishing himself as one of the founders of the abstract art movement based on Arabic calligraphy. After studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, he came back to Syria in 1957 to teach in schools. Then he worked as a Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Damascus University where he became the Dean of the Faculty between 1970 and 1980. He won several prizes including the Syrian Arab Medal of Excellence and the Italian Commendatore medal. In addition to painting, he designed a large number of medals and several monuments including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near Damascus. Some of his works are kept in the National Museum, the Ministry of Culture and the Presidential Palace in Damascus.