Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork, Untitled (Gram Yatra), sold for ₹118.7 crore ($13.7 million) at a Christie’s auction, setting a new record for Indian modern art. This sale surpassed the auction house’s estimates and significantly eclipses previous records for Husain and other Indian artists. Industry experts view the sale as a major confidence booster for the art market, highlighting Husain’s enduring impact and prominence.
Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork has made history by selling for a remarkable ₹118.7 crore ($13.7 million) at Christie’s South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art auction held in New York on March 19. This sale greatly exceeded Christie’s initial estimate of $2.5 million to $3.5 million. Previously, Husain’s highest sale was ₹26.75 crore ($3.1 million) for his painting Untitled (Reincarnation) in London last year. The record prior to this transaction was held by Amrita Sher-Gil’s The Story Teller, which sold for ₹61.8 crore ($7.4 million) in September 2023.
The artwork titled Untitled (Gram Yatra) spans nearly 14 feet and was completed in 1954, depicting thirteen scenes of rural life following India’s independence and the aftermath of partition. This canvas serves as a representation of Husain’s vision for nation-building through art. It was first showcased alongside works by Krishen Khanna in its year of completion at the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society.
Nishad Avari, head of Christie’s South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, expressed excitement regarding the auction, stating, “We are thrilled to have been a part of setting a new benchmark value for the work of Maqbool Fida Husain and the entire category.” Experts indicate that this unprecedented sale price will benefit not only Husain’s artworks but the Indian art market as a whole.
Ashish Anand, CEO and MD of DAG, commented on the sale noting that Husain’s long-awaited price elevation signifies a correction in the market. He remarked, “The ₹118.6 crore sale was unexpected—and unprecedented. Now the most expensive work of modern Indian art… Husain bringing greater value to the auction and gallery market.” In terms of auction turnover, Husain outperformed all contemporaries, with total sales amounting to ₹1,721 crore from 3,285 works since 1987.
Husain, a pivotal figure in the Progressive Artists Group, drew inspiration from India’s rich historical visual culture. His significant artistic journey began with a transformative experience viewing classical Indian artworks in New Delhi in 1948. He articulated the impact of this experience in a subsequent interview with Pritish Nandy, marking it as pivotal to his artistic direction.
Despite his artistic success, Husain encountered difficulties, including backlash from right-wing groups over certain depictions that provoked controversy. Following multiple legal challenges, he faced exile beginning in 2006 and passed away in 2011. Recently, two of his artworks were confiscated due to claims of offending religious sentiments, showcasing ongoing tensions surrounding his legacy.
The previous record for a Husain painting was set at $3.1 million for Untitled (Reincarnation), representing a 450% increase in his price record. Anand noted that the competitive bidding for Gram Yatra reflects substantial confidence in the artist’s work. The broader implications of Husain’s record-breaking sale emphasize a promising future for Indian modern art. “It signals confidence in Indian modern art as a major force in the auction market,” commented Manoj Mansukhani, CMO of AstaGuru Auction House.
In conclusion, the sale of Maqbool Fida Husain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra) for ₹118.7 crore sets a historic precedent in the Indian art market, significantly surpassing estimates and establishing the artist’s legacy. This sale not only reflects a restored valuation of Husain’s works but also instills renewed confidence across the Indian contemporary art landscape. The positive repercussions of this auction are expected to influence the market for Indian art broadly, marking a notable milestone in its evolution.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
