The magnificent painting of noted artist Maqbool Fida Hussain (MF Hussain) broke all the current records of modern Indian art. The painting was sold for Rs 100,000 in South Asian modern and contemporary art auction held in Christie New York. It was sold for Rs 118.7 crore ($ 13.75 million). This price is almost double the previous record. In September 2023, Amrita Shergill’s 1937 canvas painting ‘The Storytellor’ sold for Rs 1.5 crore. It was purchased for Rs 61.8 crore.
As soon as the auction price was announced, applause echoed at the rockfeller center. This painting has not been seen publicly for 70 years. Now this painting has been sold for Rs 118.7 crore. The bid of this painting was imposed by an unknown organization. Earlier, the most expensive painting was sold for Rs 26.8 crore.
This is a historical moment.
Nishad Avari, head of the Department of South Asian modern and contemporary arts in Christies, said it is actually a historic moment. Modern and contemporary South Asian art market is experiencing extraordinary growth. Earlier, Hussain’s most expensive painting was sold for Rs 10 lakh. The painting, priced at Rs 26.8 crore ($ 3.1 million), was purchased in London last year for his painting ‘Untitled Renecation’.
This painting is about 14 feet wide. Titleless (Village Travel) (1954) M.F. This is a special picture of Hussain’s artistic journey. This is a better depiction of Indian society. This painting includes 13 scenes (Vignates). All his paintings reflect India’s rural life. It seemed as if the routines of the villagers were roaming in front of them.
What is special about this painting?
The picture rides a man and a female bullock cart, which is a beautiful depiction of India’s agricultural tradition. Women around them are seen extracting milk of cows. Some women grind grains. Some mothers are shown taking care of their children. All these images are symbols of fertility, creation and rebirth.
An impressive view features a farmer picking up the soil, virtually and symbolically shows the importance of land and rural life in India. This work highlights the central role of rural society in the identity of post -independence India. According to Christie’s official website, this painting is a wonderful example of Hussain’s art and contribution of rural India to deep roots.
