Maqbool Fida Husain’s painting sold for ₹118.7 crore at Christie’s, setting a new Indian art record and surpassing previous estimates. His work, Untitled (Gram Yatra), reflects post-independence Indian village life and symbolizes a significant moment in Indian art history. The sale reaffirms Husain’s legacy and boosts the overall confidence in the Indian art market.
A work by Maqbool Fida Husain has recently sold for a staggering ₹118.7 crore ($13.7 million) at a Christie’s auction, establishing a new record in Indian art sales. This price surpassed Christie’s estimated value of the artwork, which ranged between $2.5 million and $3.5 million. Previously, the highest selling Husain artwork was Untitled (Reincarnation), which fetched ₹26.75 crore ($3.1 million) in 2022. Amrita Sher-Gil’s The Story Teller was the highest sold Indian art piece before this, going for ₹61.8 crore ($7.4 million) at Saffronart in September 2023.
Husain’s massive oil on canvas, titled Untitled (Gram Yatra), measures nearly 14 feet and dates back to 1954. It visually captures village life soon after India’s independence, consisting of 13 vignettes that reflect his vision for the nation’s future. This work was initially exhibited in Mumbai the same year alongside contemporary artist Krishen Khanna.
Nishad Avari from Christie’s expressed excitement over the sale, highlighting it as a landmark moment for Husain and the overall South Asian art market. Experts predict this sale will enhance the value of both Husain’s pieces and Indian art as a whole, signaling a correction in the market.
Ashish Anand from DAG emphasized that Husain was overdue for this record, noting his remarkable sale history totaling ₹1,721 crore from 3,285 artworks since 1987, ahead of second-place SH Raza. Husain, part of the Progressive Artists Group, remains a critical figure in modern Indian art, inspired by India’s rich visual culture.
A pivotal moment in Husain’s career occurred in 1948, inspired by classical Indian art. He sought to blend historical styles, yielding a unique signature style. However, he faced increasing scrutiny in later years due to contentious depictions of religious figures, culminating in his self-exile in 2006. Despite his death in 2011, litigation against his works continues to arise.
The recent sale of Gram Yatra marks a significant 450% rise from his last record, reflecting the assertive demand for his art. Anand noted that the intense bidding showcased its significance to collectors. This sale revitalizes confidence in Indian modern art and solidifies Husain’s enduring legacy as a resonant voice of India’s artistic identity.
The recent sale of Husain’s artwork not only breaks records but also serves as a pivotal moment for modern Indian art. Rising values signify a growing confidence in the sector. Husain’s legacy, marked by a unique artistic vision that blends historical styles, continues to resonate and command significant market attention despite past controversies. The auction results forecast a bright future for Indian art as a whole.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
