Historic Auction of Rediscovered MF Husain Masterpiece Shakes Indian Art Sphere

The astounding sale price of $13.8 million for Husain's Untitled (Gram Yatra) highlights the evolving perception and value of Indian art.

In a remarkable twist in Indian art history, a long-overlooked oil-on-canvas painting by celebrated artist MF Husain has been rediscovered and sold for a groundbreaking $13.8 million (£10.6 million) at a recent Christie's auction in New York. This sale not only eclipses the previous record of $7.4 million (£5.7 million) set by renowned artist Amrita Sher-Gil's The Story Teller earlier this year but also marks a defining moment for modern Indian art.

The painting, titled Untitled (Gram Yatra), stretches an impressive 14 feet and portrays 13 vignettes of rural life in India, vividly encapsulating Husain's unique synthesis of folk traditions and modernism. A prominent figure in Indian modernism, Husain lived from 1915 until his death in 2011 at the age of 95, leaving an indelible mark on the art world. His decision to leave India in 2006 amid political controversies stemming from his artwork underscores the impact and relevance of his subject matter.

The masterful creation, painted in 1954, had been serving as a forgotten piece of decor in a Norwegian hospital for nearly five decades after its purchase for a mere $295 by Ukrainian physician Leon Elias Volodarsky. It wasn’t until 2013, two years after Husain's passing, that Christie's was alerted to its existence, which ultimately led to its celebrated reemergence.

In Gram Yatra, the vivid imagery reflects the daily lives of Indian villagers with scenes that resonate with traditional narrative art, showcasing women engaged in cooking and children being cared for. An evocative moment within the work illustrates a farmer appearing to hold the adjoining land, drawing connections to the agrarian roots of Indian culture.

Nishad Avari, the head of South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie's, emphasized the significance of this piece, stating, “If you're looking for a single artwork that defines modern South Asian art, this is it.” He noted Husain's international influences, particularly from his travels, which can be traced in the expressive brushwork characteristic of the painting.

The unfolding story of Gram Yatra not only spotlights the historical nexus of India's rural heart and modernist influences but also promises to enhance the value of Husain's oeuvre and the broader narrative of Indian art in both aesthetic and financial contexts. As observed by Ashish Anand of Delhi Art Gallery, the sale elevates the entire sphere of Indian art, potentially transforming it into a serious economic asset worthy of global attention.