MUMBAI.- AstaGuru Auction House concludes the year on a high note with its latest ‘Historic Masterpieces’ Auction
AstaGuru Auction House concluded their recent auction titled ‘Historic Masterpieces’ with tremendous success. The stellar line-up of the Modern Indian Art auction showcased 35 extraordinary works by 19 revered modern artists of India, 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 appeared in an auction for the first time with lot no. 16, ‘Resuscitative Mythic Man’ by Bikash Bhattacharjee breaking the artist’s previous record at a sale value of INR 1,96,52,052. The auction garnered an impressive total sales value of INR 45,01,27,041.
Sneha Gautam, Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House stated, “We are exceedingly proud of the results of the ‘Historic Masterpieces’ auction. With the finely curated selection we hoped to explore works of exceptional provenance by eminent Indian modernists. These works not only provide an in-depth look into modern Indian art history but also a variety of both unique and signature styles by artists of immense significance. The result of the auction is indicative that the art market is flourishing with collectors, both new and seasoned alike, looking to add unique and rare works to their collections.”
Leading the sales was work by F. N Souza, lot no. 18, titled ‘The Castle.’ Holding significance due to its illustrious provenance, this work is also a brilliant example of Souza's evolving career and artistic approach. It was painting on the heels of his early success after a persistent struggle in the preceding years. The painting originally belonged to the collection of New York art collector Harold Kovner who was one of the first art patrons that championed Souza’s art. Executed with oil on masonite board in 1957, this work was acquired at an amount of INR 4,55,40,000.
Lot no. 1, a painting by famous Bengal artist Hemendranath Mazumdar was sold at INR 3,69,76,907. This masterpiece by Hemendranath Mazumdar depicts the immortal image of Radha & Krishna showcases the brilliant confluence of the artist’s motivation; in terms of technique and subject matter. Executed with oil on canvas circa 1940, this work appeared in an auction for the first time.
Four works by revered artist S.H. Raza also emerged as the highlight of the auction. Lot no. 10, titled ‘The Invisible Cross,’ it is a significant work in S.H. Raza’s oeuvre as it was executed in a transitional phase of career which witnessed a change in theme, style, and medium and marked the beginning of an innovative painting period. Executed with oil on canvas in 1970, this work was also published in ‘S H Raza: Catalogue Raisonné 1958 – 1971 (Vol 1)’ by Vadehra Art Gallery and The Raza Foundation, New Delhi, in 2016. It was acquired at a price of INR 3,44,39,625. An untitled work, lot no. 13, was executed by the artist when he was residing in France. During this period, S. H. Raza solidified his own unique painterly character and style. The presented lot executed in 1956, set against a blazing bright skyline is in contrast with the dark hues that establish the terrain below. It was sold at an amount of INR 3,28,90,000.
Lot no. 17, also appearing in auction for the first time, a brilliant example of S.H. Raza’s ‘Bindu’ series of works was sold at INR 2,22,64,000. Lot no. 33 titled ‘Bhoomi,’ executed with acrylic on canvas in 1987, was executed on the precipice of ‘Bindu’ becoming the central focus in Raza’s work. Reflecting a deep understanding of his motherland, the painting is done in rich colour tones that are similar to the rich topography of central India. It was part of the exhibition titled ‘Raza - Rendezvous : A selection of Works from 1940 – 2000’ at www.theartstrust.com and was published in ‘Raza - Rendezvous : A selection of Works from 1940 – 2000’ by The Arts Trust, Mumbai, 2020. It was acquired at an amount of INR 2,25,42,300.
Titled ‘The Tree,’ lot no. 35 was executed by artist Prabhakar Barwe with enamel on canvas in 1985. Prabhakar Barwe’s surreal imagery was composed based on the comprehensive investigations he undertook, pertaining to quintessential fundamentals of art such as the correlation between space and form and the essence of colour. This work generated a sales value of INR 2,75,51,700.
Lot no. 20, a work titled ‘Landscape,’ by Akbar Padamsee represents an important phase in his artistic journey. One can observe a distinct colour composition tendency, which follows suit through the following years, however the structuring of the work from this period is indeed poetic in nature, opposed to the lyrical premise of his metascapes. Executed with oil on canvas in 1963, it was sold at a value of INR 2,50,47,000.
A work by respected artist K.G. Subramanyan, lot no. 34, was also showcased at the auction. Titled ‘Pastoral,’ it is one of the largest works by revered artist K.G. Subramanyan. Indicative of many of the artist’s influences, techniques and favourite subjects, the aptly titled triptych features many scenes from the countryside in vivid detail. It was acquired at a price of INR 2,25,02,850.
An impressive work, lot no. 16, by artist Bikash Bhattacharjee titled ‘Resuscitative Mythic Man’ was acquired at an amount of INR 1,96,52,052. This work was showcased at an exhibition titled ‘Indian Section : First Triennale, India’ held at Rabindra Bhavan and the National Gallery of Modern Art, in 1968. It also featured in an important book about the artist titled, ‘Works of Bikash Bhattacharjee : Close to Events.’ This work appeared in auction for the first time.
All figures are inclusive of auction house margin.
