From Bank Vaults to Auction Block: A Glimpse into India’s Most Celebrated Artist’s Vision of the 20th Century

Mumbai, India – Next week, 25 rare paintings by the late MF Husain will go under the hammer at an art gallery in Mumbai, marking the first public glimpse of the works since they were seized by authorities in 2008. The paintings, part of a record-breaking art deal, were locked away in bank vaults for over a decade, awaiting a court ruling that would clear the way for their auction.

The deal, dubbed “India’s biggest art deal,” was struck between Husain and businessman Guru Swarup Srivastava in 2004. The agreement, worth a billion rupees, was for a series of 100 paintings, but Srivastava’s business dealings were soon marred by allegations of loan default and asset mismanagement. In 2008, a tribunal allowed the government-backed agricultural body to seize one billion rupees in assets from Srivastava, including the 25 Husain paintings.

The paintings, vibrant acrylics on canvas, showcase Husain’s bold style while reflecting key 20th-century events and social attitudes. One painting depicts an unlikely group chatting on a bench, symbolizing Husain’s call for peaceful dialogue and coexistence among global powers. Another painting honors Charlie Chaplin while juxtaposing a rocket launch to highlight the contrast between social and economic disparities and massive state spending.

According to Dadiba Pundole, director of Pundole Art Gallery, where the auction will be held, the paintings offer a glimpse into Husain’s take on a transformative century shaped by leaps in technology, politics, and culture. Pundole estimates that the auction could fetch up to $29 million.

Husain’s works have fetched millions in the past, but his bold themes often drew criticism. He died in 2011, aged 95, leaving behind a legacy as one of India’s most celebrated and controversial artists. The auction of his paintings is a testament to his enduring impact on the art world.

The sale of these rare masterpieces is a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to own a piece of history and experience the vibrant, bold style of India’s most celebrated artist. As the paintings step into the spotlight, the story of their journey from bank vaults to auction block serves as a striking footnote in Husain’s bold, eventful career.

The 25 paintings, which will be auctioned on June 12, are part of Husain’s ambitious 100-painting series, which he never completed. The series, titled “MF Husain: An Artist’s Vision of the XX Century,” offers a unique glimpse into Husain’s artistic vision and his take on the transformative events of the 20th century.

The auction is expected to attract art enthusiasts and collectors from around the world, who will have the opportunity to own a rare piece of art history. As the paintings go under the hammer, they will take center stage, offering a glimpse into the life and work of one of India’s most celebrated artists.

In a statement, Pundole said, “It’s like the paintings have come full circle. After years locked away in bank vaults, they are finally stepping into the spotlight, offering a glimpse into Husain’s artistic vision and his take on the transformative events of the 20th century.”

The sale of these rare masterpieces is a testament to the enduring impact of Husain’s art on the world. As the paintings go under the hammer, they will take center stage, offering a glimpse into the life and work of one of India’s most celebrated artists.