Renowned Indian artist M.F. Husain’s painting, Untitled (Gram Yatra), has achieved a historic milestone by selling for $13.8 million (over ₹118 crore) at a Christie’s auction in New York on March 19, 2025. This sale sets a new record for the most expensive Indian artwork ever auctioned and marks the first time an Indian piece has surpassed the ₹100-crore threshold.
About the Painting: ‘Untitled (Gram Yatra)’
Created in 1954, Untitled (Gram Yatra) is a monumental oil-on-canvas measuring approximately 14 feet by 3 feet. The artwork comprises 13 vignettes that vividly depict scenes from rural Indian life, including:
- A man and woman riding a bullock cart
- A woman dancing with a drummer
- Another woman pounding wheat
These scenes showcase Husain’s signature style, characterized by a bright and bold palette, folk subjects, and imposing sculptural figures. His calligraphic brushstrokes, influenced by Chinese art, cubist forms, and the whimsical elements reminiscent of Paul Klee, are evident in this work.
Journey from Delhi to Oslo
The painting’s journey began in 1954 when it was exhibited at the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS) in Delhi. During this exhibition, Dr. Leon Elias Volodarsky, a Ukrainian-born surgeon based in Norway and head of a World Health Organization (WHO) team in India, acquired the artwork directly from Husain. An avid art collector, Dr. Volodarsky displayed the painting in his Oslo home. In 1964, his estate donated the piece to the Oslo University Hospital, where it remained in a private corridor, largely away from public view, for several decades.
Rediscovery and Record-Breaking Sale
The existence of Untitled (Gram Yatra) came to light approximately 13 years ago when Nishad Avari, Head of the Department of Indian Art at Christie’s, became aware of the painting. Recognizing its significance, Christie’s included it in their New York auction, where it garnered nearly four times its high estimate of $3.5 million. This sale not only underscores the growing appreciation and demand for Indian art on the global stage but also highlights Husain’s enduring legacy in the art world.
M.F. Husain: A Legacy of Bridging Tradition and Modernity
Maqbool Fida Husain (1915–2011) was a pioneering figure in Indian modern art. Known for his bold colors and dynamic compositions, Husain’s work often drew inspiration from Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as rural and urban life. His ability to merge traditional Indian themes with modernist techniques earned him both acclaim and controversy throughout his career.