Modern Treasures Auction by AstaGuru Honours Indian Art with Rare Works by Iconic Artists

The forthcoming 'Iconic Masters' Auction by AstaGuru will feature a treasure trove of rare and previously unseen artworks. This ultimately curated collection of 190 lots is a voyage through significant decades of Modern Indian Art and features works by revered artists who influenced the nation's artistic landscape.

This catalogue is distinguished by its inclusion of not only the masters' iconic, signature-style works, but also a captivating assortment of artworks that represent a departure from their usual themes and media.

The 'Iconic Masters' Auction, scheduled for October 27-28, 2023, presents a unique opportunity for aficionados to acquire works from the multifarious oeuvres of India's most renowned modernists.

Sneha Gautam, Senior Vice President, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House, stated in reference to the upcoming auction,

"We are thrilled to present 'Iconic Masters,' an extraordinary auction that not only showcases the revered works of India's modern art legends, but also provides a unique look at their creative evolution.

This collection combines the iconic with the unexpected, demonstrating the depth and versatility of these artistic titans. As AstaGuru, we take great pride in curating this extraordinary collection, which provides art enthusiasts with the opportunity to acquire rare and unseen treasures. The catalogue is also comprised of a number of works that are making their debut at auction."

A variety of S. H. Raza's one-of-a-kind works will be featured in the impending auction. Lot 126, titled 'Jagrat,' was created in 2004 and is an outstanding illustration of his investigation of the 'Bindu,' an iconic and unifying element in his body of work. The estimated price range for this large-scale acrylic on canvas piece is INR 500,000 to 7,000,000.

Lot no. 31 is estimated to fetch between INR 1,200,000 and INR 11,600,000, and is a stunning example of Raza's early landscapes. The auction will include six additional works by the artist.

The sublime painting 'The Sky Like A Burning Furnace' by artist Jehangir Sabavala, executed in 1968, is said to have been inspired by the artist's affection for the Mahabaleshwar sunsets. The oil on canvas piece is estimated to cost between 3,500,000 and 4,500,000 Indian Rupees.

An additional highlight of the auction is a work by the renowned old master Abdur Rahman Chughtai, whose distinctive visual language is emblematic of South Asian culture and fuses many of his influences, such as Art Nouveau, Mughal art, traditional miniature paintings, and Islamic art.

The lot no 18 watercolour on card is estimated to fetch between $30,000 and $40,000 at auction.

Lot 1 is a painting by the renowned scientist Homi Jehangir Bhabha, who is also the creator of a second uncommon piece. The 1938 oil on canvas painting titled "Dove Sono I Belli Momenti" was inspired by the Renaissance art of El Greco. This painting is estimated to sell for 10 to 15 million INR.

In addition, the auction sheds light on M.F. Husain's diverse artistic inspiration. 1976 oil on canvas work without a title is lot no 76. It is a splendid illustration of his special fondness for the Tiger - India's national animal. The presented lot depicts the tiger in motion, similar to his other animal-themed works. It is anticipated that it will cost between INR 2,000,000 and INR 3,000,000. 105 is a piece from his celebrated 'Mother Teresa' series, which held a special spot in his heart. It was created in 1990 with watercolour on paper and is estimated to be worth between INR 2,000,000 and INR 3,000,000.

Lot 162 is an untitled acrylic painting on canvas with an estimated price range of INR 1,500,000 to 2,500,000. Untied (Mehndi)

lot 172 depicts two seated women in a courtyard with trees in the background.

The title of the painting is derived from the focal point of the piece, which are the figures' adorned hands. It is anticipated to retail for 80,000 to 120,000 INR. Additional works by Husain in a variety of mediums, including pen and pencil on paper, acrylic on leather, mixed media on fabric, and acrylic on woodcut, are up for auction.

Krishen Khanna's 'A Season of Watermelons,' lot no 98, is a large-scale piece. In this piece, he depicts the beginning of summer, which is depicted in the vibrant colour composition. The estimated price range for this work is INR 80,000,000 to INR 1,200,000. In addition, three works in various mediums based on his well-known theme of Bandwallahs will be on display.

Lot 95 is an evocative abstract landscape painting from the oeuvre of artist Ram Kumar. It was created in 1965 with oil on canvas and is anticipated to fetch between 70,000,000 and 90,000,000 INR.

In addition, four paintings by K.H. Ara will be displayed, including two still life, one portrait, and one naked painting.

Lot no 68 is a significant sculpture by the influential sculptor Himmat Shah. The sculptor's unique artistic vision, distinct techniques, and modernist approach to creating remarkable abstract sculptures earned him worldwide renown. The asking price is between INR 250,000 and INR 300,000.

The auction will also feature a variety of sculptural works by artists including Himmat Shah, Somenath Hore, P.V. Janakiram, S. Nandagopal, Prodosh Das Gupta, Ram Kumar, Thota Vaikuntam, Sarbari Roy Chowdhury, S. Dhanpal, B. Vithal, K. Laxmi Goud, Chintamoni Kar, and Krishen Khanna.

In the upcoming auction, works by several female artists, including Amrita Sher-Gil, Arpana Caur, Anjolie Ela Menon, Jaya Appasamy, and Zarina Hashmi, will be featured.

More about AstaGuru

In 2008, AstaGuru Auction House was conceived with the solitary intention of establishing a safe and secure platform for conducting online auctions for Contemporary and Modern Indian Art. Over the years, AstaGuru has curated auctions for a variety of categories, including art, jewellery, fine silver, timepieces, textiles, celebrity memorabilia, rare books, numismatic, philately, and vintage automobiles.

In 2018, AstaGuru was the first Indian auction house to offer an exclusive edition of vintage and classic automobiles. "AstaGuru has effectively bridged the distance between prospective purchasers and consignors by transcending the limitations of live auctions. The process of acquiring and selling art and rare collectibles is rendered transparent by AstaGuru with ease. The online module enables candidates to place their bids from the convenience of their own homes or while travelling.