MUMBAI.- In its upcoming ‘Historic Masterpieces’ Modern Indian Art auction, AstaGuru will present a stellar collection of works by highly respected artists who greatly contributed to establishing the definition of Modern Indian Art. The finely curated catalogue for the auction showcases creations by 19 revered names including Hemendranath Mazumdar, F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, Jehangir Sabavala, M.F. Husain, Akbar Padamsee, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Krishen Khanna, Jogen Chowdhury, Prabhakar Barwe, K.G. Subramanyan, Ram Kumar, J. Swaminathan, Somnath Hore, Himmat Shah, Satish Gujral, N.S Bendre, K.K. Hebbar, Nicholas Roerich. Several of these works are appearing in an auction for the first time. The auction is scheduled to be held on December 27-28, 2022.

Talking about the upcoming auction, Sneha Gautam, Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House states, "We are pleased to be presenting a selection of works by India’s avant-garde artists in our upcoming 'Historic Masterpieces' auction. The diverse catalogue showcases a range of artworks with excellent provenance and a fascinating history. We are presenting collectors with an opportunity to collect an amalgamation of unique and signature styles from eminent artists who changed the face of Modern Indian Art."

One of the main highlights of the auction is lot no.1, is a masterpiece by respected artist Hemendranath Mazumdar and is appearing in an auction for the first time. Depicting the immortal image of Radha & Krishna, the work showcases the brilliant confluence of the artist’s motivation; in terms of technique and subject matter. It will be offered with an estimate of INR 1,00,00,000 – 1,50,00,000.

Lot no. 23 titled 'Nocturnal Flight' is an oil on canvas creation by Jehangir Sabavala and features the motif of birds he recurrently depicted in his works. Published in a book titled ‘The Crucible of Painting: The Art of Jehangir Sabavala’ by Sakshi Gallery, in 2005, it will be offered at an estimate of INR 3,50,00,000 – 4,00,00,000.

Also in auction are three works belonging to the M.F. Husain’s famed ‘British Raj’ series - a magnificent combination of history, satire and political commentary. Titled ‘Raj Series: Princess Nisha Raje. Afternoon Tea with Lady McBull’, lot no. 26 is a large-scale acrylic on oil canvas work executed in 1997. It depicts an Indian princess having tea with a Lady Mcbull - ‘Mcbull’, a nickname Husain often used. The work will be offered at an estimate of INR 3,00,00,000-4,00,00,000. Lot no. 4 titled ‘Jemdanee 1787’ is a watercolour painting retracing the relationship between British barrister, William Hickey, and supposed Indian wife ‘Jemdanee’. It will be offered at an estimate of INR 30,00,000-40,00,000.

Another watercolour work from the series, lot no. 5, titled ‘Credentials of Gwalior, Nizam and Patiala I’ will be offered with an estimate of INR 30,00,000-40,00,000. 

On offer are six impressive works by S.H. Raza showcasing the diverse styles he has experimented with over the years prominent of which is lot no. 28, titled ‘L’Orage’ executed in 1973, an extremely productive phase for the artist. The acrylic on canvas work is offered at an estimate of INR 2,25,00,000-2,75,00,000. Lot no. 17 titled ‘Bindu’ executed in 1985 is a signature

for the artist and is one of the early works from the series. The acrylic on canvas work is estimated at INR 2,00,00,000-2,50,00,000. Lot no. 33 is titled ‘Bhoomi’ and was executed in 1987. The work is indicative of the metamorphosis of Raza’s landscapes and will be offered at an estimate of INR 1,80,00,000-2,20,00,000.

The auction will also showcase two works by artist F.N Souza. Lot no. 18, which is also the cover of the auction catalogue titled ‘The Castle’. Executed in 1957 when the artist was living in London, this work was originally in the collection of Harold Kovner, a very important and extremely supportive patron to the artist. It will be offered 4,00,00,000 – 6,00,00,000.

Lot no. 7 titled ‘The Lake,’ is another landscape work by Souza and will be offered with an estimate of INR 60,00,000 – 80,00,000.

Lot no 8 is a beautiful work by artist Prabhakar Barwe executed Circa 1970. It will be offered with an estimate of INR 80,00,000 – 1,00,00,000.

Lot no. 9 is a unique work by artist Jogen Chowdhury. An ode by the artist to his friendship with artist Bhupen Khakhar, this painting titled - ‘His peaceful life in Heaven - Homage to Bhupen’ was showcased in an exhibition organised to commemorate Bhupen Khakhar’s 10th death anniversary in 2013. It will be offered with an estimate of INR 80,00,000 - 1,20,00,000.

Lot no. 21 is a biblical theme work by Krishen Khanna titled ‘Doubting Thomas With Jesus.’ Created in 1978 the oil on canvas painting depicts Christ with St. Thomas, who arrived in Kerala even before Christianity had gained prominence in Europe. It will be offered with an estimate of INR 95,00,000 – 1,25,00,000.

Lot no. 34 titled Pastoral (Triptych) is one of the largest works created by the artist K.G. Subramanyan. Executed in 2014 with oil on canvas, it depicts an intricate narrative of life in the countryside, depicting women, animals and infants in vivid colours. It is offered with an estimate of INR 1,35,00,000 – 1,65,00,000.

Lot no. 12 titled ‘Three Women’ oil artwork was executed by artist Narayan Shridhar Bendre who pioneered the pointillist technique in Indian art. Executed in similar signature style with oil medium in 1972, this work will be offered with an estimate of INR 1,50,00,000 – 2,50,00,000.

Created in the year 1903, lot no. 2, Nicholas Roerich’s ‘The Monastery Of St. Alexander Nevsky’ is an oil on board work that takes a departure from the artist’s famed series of works documenting the Himalayan range. It will be offered at an estimate of INR 1,00,00,000-1,20,00,000.

Lot no. 11 is a beautiful work by artist K.K Hebbar and will be offered with an estimate of INR 50,00,000 – 60,00,000.

Lot no. 29 is an extraordinary creation by the master of hyper realistic paintings Bikash Bhattacharjee. Executed in 1997, it depicts the ‘Nag’ or king Cobra, venerated as a deity in the Hindu culture. It will be offered with an estimate of INR 25,00,000 – 30,00,000.