Maqbool Fida Husain (b. 1915)

This work is part of a series of works that Husain produced on the theme of music (for further information on the series see lot 34).  The soft blue tones of the current painting provide a feminine counterpoint to the bold reds and yellows of the Veena Player (lot 34) and this evolution of an idea expressed over a series of works is an aspect of Husain's painting that has continued throughout his career.

'Husain views each painting as a fragment of music whose counterpoint exists elsewhere, and his entire painterly activity as one immense effort at orchestration of all the notes that he hears struck upon his personality.  No painting is intended as a complete statement.  In a continuing inquiry into the nature of being, every one of his wide array of works, joyous or grave, leaves the viewer with an intimation of other possibilities.' (Richard Bartholemew and Shiv S. Kapur, Husain, New York, 1971, p. 60).