M.F. Hussain’s painting created history in auction, sold for Rs 118 crore

Famous Indian painter M.F. Hussain’s work has set a new record in the auction. His painting “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” sold for $ 13.8 million (about Rs 118 crore), which is still the most expensive public auction of any modern Indian artwork. The historic auction took place at Christians in New York, where it was bought by an unknown institution.

Auction sold four times higher than expected

• The initial estimated price of this painting was between 25 and 35 million dollars, but it sold at four times higher price.
• Earlier, Hussain’s most expensive painting was “Untitled (Reinecarnetion)”, which was auctioned in September 2023 for $ 31 million (about 26 crores).

Amrita Shergill’s record broken

• Earlier, the record for the most expensive painting of modern Indian art was the name of Amrita Shergill’s “The Story Taylor” (1937), which was sold for $ 74 million (about Rs 63 crore).
• S. H. Raza’s “Kalisay” (1959) was also auctioned in March 2023 for $ 56 million.

Painting in public auction after 70 years

• This painting, made in 1954, is 14 feet long and has 13 scenes of Indian villages (Vichyats).
• It was first brought to auction in public after 70 years.
• The painting was bought by Norway General Surgeon and art collector Lyon Alias ​​Volodarski in New Delhi in 1954.
• It was later donated to Oslo University Hospital in 1964, where it was placed in a private neuroscience corridor and was unavailable to the public.

Village Yatra: A historical artwork

• Christian’s South Asian art head Nishad Avari described it as “one of the most important works” of his career.
• The painting reflects the centrality of the villages of independent India and rural life and is a symbol of finding the identity of Indian modern art.
• The farmer Hussain, who is present in this painting, is believed to be the self-portrait of Hussain, which is presented as a nutritious and protector of the Indian land.

13 years long auction process

• It took 13 years to bring this painting to auction.
• When Oslo University Hospital decided to sell it, Christies immediately showed interest and completed necessary approval procedures.
• The amount received from the auction will be used to set up a training center for doctors in the name of Dr. Volodarski.

Global demand for Indian art

This historical auction shows that the demand for modern Indian art is increasing rapidly in the global market. M.F. This achievement of Hussain takes his creativity and heritage to new heights.