Oil on canvas

70 × 132 cm. 27 1/2 × 52 in.

Signed in Hindi on bottom left
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the artist

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued and signed by the artist's son

Myth and Revelry of a Nation
M.F.Husain's Visual Montage

As India's foremost modern painting maestro, M.F.Husain is hailed as the "Picasso of India." His lifelong paintings reflect a fascination with history, civilization, and epic tales of heroes.In 2004, the Victoria and Albert Museum in the United Kingdom commissioned and acquired eight large paintings from him. Subsequently, in 2014, a large-scale exhibition was dedicated to his work at the same museum. Additionally, his pieces are housed in prestigious institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum in London, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Husain was born in 1915 in Pandharpur, India, and later graduated from the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. In 1947, he co-founded the "Progressive Artists Group" with fellow artists, aiming to merge folk art, classical painting, and Western abstract expressionism, creating a unique form of expression. Over time, Husain emerged as a leading figure in Indian modernism. In the 1950s, he ventured beyond national borders, exhibiting his work in Switzerland and participating in the Giardini Della Biennale three times—an achievement still unmatched in India. In 1971, Husain, alongside Pablo Picasso, became the only two artists invited without official national representation to present individual exhibitions at the Bienal Internacional de Sao Paulo, highlighting his significant position in art history.

This spring auction presents a remarkable representative work from the late 1960s by Husain titled Abstract, marking a significant milestone. After its completion, the piece was acquired by the renowned Indian collector Ramlal Agarwal. Ramlal Agarwal, one of Husain's most influential supporters, was invited to share insights into his collection of Husain's works in newspapers, and he made numerous visits to the artist himself.

The Bountiful Tale of Dreams

In this artwork, Husain presents a semi-abstract narrative and a rich palette on a banner-shaped canvas, resembling scenes from a widescreen film. It celebrates the glorious history of the nation and expresses hopes for a new and independent India in the future. The composition is divided into three sections—left, middle, and right, each dominated by brown, pink, and teal-black tones, respectively. The middle section is composed of vibrant geometric shapes, creating a visually impactful effect.

In the right half of the composition, white oil paint stacked into blocks appears to depict a fallen soldier, starkly pale against the vibrant background. This conveys the artist's aversion to war and violence, as well as opposition to the outdated notion of solving problems through force. The central portion, divided by watercolour blocks, reveals the raised forehoof of a horse as if sounding the horn for an onward journey, symbolizing the commencement of a new personal and national destiny. On the left side, red, white, and brown rectangles and triangles resemble fluttering flags of various nations, symbolizing unity, strength, abundance, and collectivism. This embodies the essence of Husain's lifelong creative wisdom.

Harmony of Past and Present: Homage to Ragamala

Despite Abstract being considered a testament to the parallel development of Indian and Western cultures in the realm of modern art, the work still pays homage to the classic form of Indian traditional culture known as "Ragamala." Ragamala is a medieval painting form popular in South Asia, using traditional human figures and flowers to symbolize musical notes, creating compositions through painting. It stands as a classic example of the integration of Indian art, poetry, and classical music during that era. Abstract encapsulates the artist's tribute to the "Carnivalesque."

During that period, India's music, sculpture, dance, painting, and cinema served as inspiration for Husain. His "Ragamala" is reflected in the intricate and vibrant hues in the painting, evoking a sense of pure liveliness. The semi-abstract soldiers and horses scattered in interconnected spaces convey the traditional Indian spirit and local flavour through their lines, colours, and forms.

Husain's artwork not only showcases the evolution of art in India, but also captures the traditional life and aesthetic essence of India in his epic paintings. He has a unique way of combining the past, present, and future in a poetic manner, which is presented to us through his unparalleled lyrical style.

Price estimate:
HKD: 700,000 – 1,000,000
USD: 89,400 - 127,700

Auction Result:
HKD: --