Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork, Untitled (Gram Yatra), sold for a record-breaking $13.7 million (₹118.7 crore) at a Christie’s auction, exceeding estimates and marking a significant milestone for Indian Modern Art. This sale elevates Husain’s status and reflects growing confidence in the Indian art market, with implications for future valuations of his and other contemporary artworks.
A remarkable milestone was reached in the Indian art market when Maqbool Fida Husain’s artwork, Untitled (Gram Yatra), sold for a historic $13.7 million (approximately ₹118.7 crore) at a Christie’s auction in New York on March 19. This achievement exceeded Christie’s initial estimate of $2.5 million to $3.5 million, marking a significant moment for Indian Modern Art.
Husain’s previous record for a painting was set with Untitled (Reincarnation), 1957, which fetched ₹26.75 crore ($3.1 million) at Sotheby’s in 2022. The previous highest auction price for Indian art was held by The Story Teller by Amrita Sher-Gil, selling for ₹61.8 crore ($7.4 million) in September 2023.
Untitled (Gram Yatra), measuring nearly 14 feet in length, was completed in 1954 and depicts village life through 13 vignettes. This work reflects the tumultuous period following India’s Independence and is integral to India’s modern art narrative. The inscription on the canvas denotes its historical context, having been previously exhibited in Mumbai alongside contemporary works.
Nishad Avari, head of Christie’s South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art, expressed excitement about setting a new benchmark for Husain’s works and the overall category, highlighting its significance for the South Asian art market’s growth. Experts affirm that the sale’s success will benefit Husain’s entire oeuvre and Indian art in general, correcting previous undervaluations.
Art market intelligence indicates Husain had already achieved a remarkable total sales turnover of ₹1,721 crore from 3,285 works since 1987, outperforming other renowned artists such as SH Raza. This latest sale further solidifies his status as a pivotal figure in modern Indian art.
Husain’s artistic journey evolved significantly after his influential visit to New Delhi in 1948, which he described as a turning point in his career. His works draw inspiration from India’s historical visual culture, effectively blending bold forms and colors.
Despite his success, Husain faced substantial challenges in the latter part of his life due to controversies surrounding his art, leading to his self-imposed exile in 2006 before his passing in 2011. Recently, following his death, two of his paintings were confiscated based on claims they offended religious sentiments, showcasing the ongoing challenges surrounding his legacy.
The recent auction underscores the rising confidence in the Indian art market and cements Husain’s legacy as an influential artist whose vision of India continues to resonate profoundly. The strong demand for his work at the auction speaks volumes of the market’s vitality and potential for further growth.
In conclusion, the record-breaking sale of Maqbool Fida Husain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra) marks a significant achievement in the Indian art market, reflecting the artist’s substantial impact and the rising confidence in the value of Indian Modern Art. This event not only sets new financial benchmarks for Husain’s work but also positions the artist at the forefront of contemporary Indian art. Moreover, it may influence the valuation of not just Husain’s artworks but the collective worth of Indian art as a whole, highlighting the lasting resonance of his artistic vision.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
