April 27, 2016: Christie’s is to showcase exquisite Indian art pieces in two upcoming May auctions: South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art as well as Arts of India.
The South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art sale includes two seminal, modernist canvases by revered contemporary painter, Vasudeo S. Gaitonde – Untitled (1958) and Untitled (1975), with the former being estimated at £800,000 (a little over $1 million)–1,200,000 and the latter at £400,000 (around $581,000)–600,000. Alongside Mr Gaitonde’s works, Francis Newton Souza’s untitled depiction of North London of 1963 will also sling under Christie’s hammer, expected to fetch £80,000–120,000.
This auction will also feature Jamini Roy’s paintings from the private collection of Professor Bengt Hager. A gem among them is the unique representation of God Krishna with a parrot, which is estimated to sell for £20,000–30,000. An exceptionally large tent canopy panel from Central India, dating back to the early 18th century, will also be offered, with an appraised price tag of £15,000–20,000.
The Arts of India sale will comprise 120 lots of objects with historical significance and an estimated price range of £2,000–180,000. Eclipsing the rest is a delicately carved ivory panel from Madurai, South India, from the late 17th century. The auction will also flaunt two private collections of court paintings that exemplify the best arts schools of the region.
Christie’s South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art and Arts of India sales will both take place on May 26, 2016 at London King Street.