Saffronart’s highly anticipated annual flagship Evening Sale is set to dazzle New Delhi this September, featuring a curated catalog of 77 exceptional lots from leading modern and contemporary Indian artists and sculptors. Hosted at The Oberoi on September 14, 2024, this live auction promises to showcase masterpieces drawn from prestigious collections, celebrating India’s vibrant artistic heritage.
A standout highlight of Saffronart’s Evening Sale is Edwin Lord Weeks’ Hindu Temple, Bombay (circa 1884), valued between INR 14 – 18 crores (US$ 1,686,750 – 2,168,675). This monumental work showcases Mr. Weeks’ expertise in realistic draughtsmanship and dramatic light effects. The painting vividly portrays Bombay’s tropical ambiance and intricate temple architecture.
Another highlight is S H Raza’s The Earth (1986), estimated between INR 2.5 – 3.5 crores. This artwork marks a pivotal moment in his career as he fused expressionism with geometric abstraction. This shift was inspired by Mr. Raza’s return to India after decades in France, reconnecting with his cultural roots. The painting features dynamic lines and triangles symbolizing the interplay of male and female energies, with a central bindu reflecting its significance as the source of life.
The sale features exceptional works with notable provenance, including six pieces from a distinguished Parsi family collection. These works, amassed by dedicated collectors over the years, are by trailblazing artists pivotal to modern Indian art.
Highlights include M F Husain’s Untitled (circa 1950s, lot 10, estimate INR 25 – 30 lakhs / US$ 30,125 – 36,145), K H Ara’s Untitled (lot 7, estimate INR 15 – 20 lakhs / US$ 18,075 – 24,100), and H A Gade’s Untitled (lot 6, estimate INR 8 – 10 lakhs / US$ 9,640 – 12,050).
The sale includes several significant works, such as early paper pieces by Amrita Sher-Gil, with an Untitled work estimated to fetch between INR 80 lakhs and 1 crore, and another from circa 1927 anticipated to bring in INR 50 – 70 lakhs.
Jogen Chowdhury’s Man Dressing His Hair (1986) is estimated to sell for INR 20 – 30 lakhs. B Prabha’s Untitled from 1978 is valued at INR 35 – 45 lakhs, with another Untitled piece from 1983 estimated at INR 30 – 40 lakhs, and a 2001 work expected to fetch INR 60 – 80 lakhs.
Dinesh Vazirani, Saffronart’s CEO and Co-Founder, said, “With a catalogue of works by pioneering modern and contemporary artists and sculptors, our annual flagship Evening Sale has been meticulously curated to provide significant value for both seasoned and first-time collectors. Many lots hold substantial art historical importance and represent pivotal phases in these artists’ careers, making them especially compelling.”
This event is preceded by viewings in both Mumbai and New Delhi.
