Tsuktiben Jamir
Located in Mumbai, AstaGuru is “India’s premium online auction house for art, antiques, and luxury.” AstaGuru will be organising a ‘Collector’s Choice’ Modern Indian Art auction on the 20th and 21st of June, 2023. According to the auction house, the upcoming auction will present “a remarkable opportunity for bidders to acquire exquisite masterpieces and rare compositions spanning different periods of Modern Indian Art.” The opening bid for every artwork will be established at a base value of INR 20,000, serving as the initial threshold from which the bidding process will commence.
Lot number 15 takes the lead in the auction lineup, holding the prestigious position of being featured on the catalogue’s cover. This artwork, making its debut in the auction, originates from the esteemed Bengal School artist Nandalal Bose’s collection. Created in 1941 using tempera on paper, the piece portrays the timeless depiction of Radha and Krishna churning butter. With its vibrant hues, intricate details, and the figures’ serene expressions and graceful postures, the artwork exudes a profound sense of harmony while encapsulating the essence of divine love. The estimated value for this lot falls within the range of INR 15,00,000 to 20,00,000, reflecting its significance and desirability among collectors and art enthusiasts.
Courtesy: AstaGuru.
The auction will also be graced by the works of seasoned Indian artists like F N Souza, S H Raza, Jamini Roy, M F Husain, V S Gaitonde, Manjit Bawa, Sakti Burman, M.V Dhurandhar, Akbar Padamsee, K H Ara, among many others.
Lot 10 holds an exciting handwritten note (Ink on paper) by Rabindranath Tagore himself. Signed by Tagore on the bottom right of the page, it is estimated to fetch about INR 2,00,000 to 3,00,000.
The auction also presents work by non-Indian artists; for instance, lot number 2 features British-German painter Horace Van Ruith’s ‘The Thames At Chelsea At Sunset’ (Watercolour on paper), which is estimated at INR 1,00,000 to 2,00,000. Austrian painter Walter Langhammer’s ‘Portrait of A Gentleman with A Cigarette’ (oil on canvas) in lot number 4 is estimated to reel in about INR 2,00,000 to 3,00,000.
Among the notable works in the auction is lot 145, a significant bronze sculpture created by the renowned artist Himmat Shah. Titled ‘Untitled – Goddess Durga (Ed. 5/5)’, this artwork holds particular significance as it was not only showcased in the artist’s retrospective at the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in New Delhi in 2016 but also featured in the book ‘Himmat in London: 36 Bronze Sculptures’, published by Aleph Book Company in 2021. With an estimated value ranging between INR 25,00,000 and 30,00,000, this artwork is a remarkable testament to Himmat Shah’s artistic prowess. It is poised to capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Courtesy: AstaGuru.
Lot number 113, named ‘Prakriti,’ exemplifies the celebrated artist S.H. Raza’s profound exploration of the ‘Bindu’ motif, which emerged as a unifying symbol within his body of work. Created in 1994 using acrylic on canvas, this artwork encapsulates Raza’s groundbreaking approach to geometric abstraction, showcasing his renowned artistic vision. Making its inaugural appearance in an auction, ‘Prakriti’ is estimated to be acquired from INR 80,00,000 to 1,00,00,000. This masterpiece is a testament to Raza’s artistic legacy and is poised to captivate collectors and enthusiasts with its profound artistic expression.
Courtesy: AstaGuru.
The auction includes various artworks and artists from different eras and areas. “Collectors Choice creates a platform that appeals to a broad range of collectors, fostering a vibrant and dynamic art community.”
For more details on the auction, visit AstaGuru at: https://www.astaguru.com/auctions/2023/Modern-Indian-Art-Collectors-Choice-136
