In a bold departure from the norm, AstaGuru, a prominent auction house known for its emphasis on Indian art, is set to host a groundbreaking event titled “International Iconic” on November 23-24. This auction will feature an impressive collection of works by renowned international modernists, challenging the perceived partiality of the Indian art market.
The curated selection includes masterpieces by iconic artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, and Fernando Botero. Among the standout lots is Pablo Picasso’s “Tete De Faune,” a coloured wax crayon on paper from 1958, estimated to fetch between ₹1,50,00,000 and ₹2,50,00,000. Another notable piece is Fernando Botero‘s “Man And Woman With Umbrella,” a watercolour on paper created in 2023, with an estimated value ranging from ₹60,00,000 to ₹80,00,000.
Larissa Guimaraes, International Art Consultant at AstaGuru Auction, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming auction, stating, “These artworks are the cornerstone of any discerning collection, offering exceptional value and encapsulating the most distinguished facets of each artist’s oeuvre.” She emphasised the meticulous curation of the catalog, aiming to fulfil the promise of the ‘International Iconic’ title.
The auction promises a diverse range of artistic expressions, spanning various periods, geographies, and mediums. Each lot is said to capture the unmistakable essence of pivotal moments in the respective artist’s career, reflecting the unique vision that defines their work.
Notable lots include Pierre Auguste Renoir’s “Etude Pour Le Portrait De Coco,” an oil on canvas pasted on board, estimated between ₹1,50,00,000 and ₹2,50,00,000. Marc Chagall’s “Couple Au Clair De Lune,” an oil, tempera, and colored inks on canvas from 1980-1981, is estimated to be valued between ₹8,00,00,000 and ₹12,00,00,000. Salvador Dali’s “L’oeil Fleuri,” an oil and tempera on canvas from 1944, is expected to fetch between ₹10,00,00,000 and ₹15,00,00,000. Additionally, Takashi Murakami’s “Panda Cubs, Hoyoyo, ZZZZZ,” an acrylic and platinum leaf on canvas mounted on wood panel from 2020, is estimated to be worth between ₹2,00,00,000 and ₹3,00,00,000.
The auction also features works by other influential artists, including Pablo Picasso’s “The Picador (Le Cheval De Picador Cabre)” and Henri Matisse’s “Nude Plein Pied Assis Sur Une Colonne.” Noteworthy is Ai Weiwei’s “Forever Duo (Stainless Steel Bicycle In Gliding),” a stainless steel bicycle frames and rubber tires creation from 2006, estimated to be valued between ₹80,00,000 and ₹1,20,00,000.
AstaGuru’s “International Iconic” auction signals a departure from conventional expectations, offering art enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to acquire timeless pieces by some of the most celebrated international modernists. As the event unfolds on November 23-24, the art world eagerly awaits the outcome of this groundbreaking auction in the heart of the Indian art market.
Feature Image:Lot no 13: Henri Matisse – Nude Plein Pied Assis Sur Une Colonne Medium – Pencil on paper Year – 1940 Size – 12.4 x 9.4 in Estimate – ₹ 60,00,000 – ₹ 80,00,000| Courtesy: Astaguru
