In a thrilling auction, an oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi has sold for £152,800 ($204,648) at Bonhams, surpassing estimates and drawing attention to the historical significance of the artwork.
Rare Portrait of Gandhi Fetches Over $200,000 at Auction
Rare Portrait of Gandhi Fetches Over $200,000 at Auction
A unique oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, painted in 1931, has sold for an impressive sum at a London auction.
The oil portrait, authored by Clare Leighton during Gandhi's 1931 visit to London, represents a pivotal moment in art and history, with Gandhi's legacy inspiring millions worldwide.
A rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, painted in 1931 by British artist Clare Leighton, was recently auctioned in London for an astonishing £152,800 ($204,648). This amount significantly exceeded pre-auction estimates of £50,000-£70,000 set by Bonhams, the auction house hosting the event. The painting is recognized as the only known oil portrait for which Gandhi posed, making it a unique cultural artifact.
The artwork was created during Gandhi's visit to London for the second Round Table Conference, which focused on constitutional reforms for India and discussions on self-governance. Bonhams noted that Clare Leighton, a respected artist, was among the few allowed access to Gandhi during this time, affording her numerous opportunities to capture his likeness. After Leighton's passing in 1989, the painting remained in her family's possession until this auction.
Although Bonhams has not disclosed the identity of the buyer, there is speculation regarding whether the portrait will be publicly exhibited in the future. The sale not only underscores the enduring legacy of Gandhi—a leader revered as the "father of the nation" in India—but also highlights the profound connection between art and historical figures.
A rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, painted in 1931 by British artist Clare Leighton, was recently auctioned in London for an astonishing £152,800 ($204,648). This amount significantly exceeded pre-auction estimates of £50,000-£70,000 set by Bonhams, the auction house hosting the event. The painting is recognized as the only known oil portrait for which Gandhi posed, making it a unique cultural artifact.
The artwork was created during Gandhi's visit to London for the second Round Table Conference, which focused on constitutional reforms for India and discussions on self-governance. Bonhams noted that Clare Leighton, a respected artist, was among the few allowed access to Gandhi during this time, affording her numerous opportunities to capture his likeness. After Leighton's passing in 1989, the painting remained in her family's possession until this auction.
Although Bonhams has not disclosed the identity of the buyer, there is speculation regarding whether the portrait will be publicly exhibited in the future. The sale not only underscores the enduring legacy of Gandhi—a leader revered as the "father of the nation" in India—but also highlights the profound connection between art and historical figures.
