Maqbool Fida Husain (1915-2011)

Christie's New York, May 17, 1994, lot 540
Acquired directly from the artist by Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller III in India 1957-1960

Page somewhat wrinkled with very minor creases throughout; most noticeable in vertical lines above veil and horizontal line through hair. Page is laid flat and in stable condition. Colors are somewhat lighter and brighter than in catalogue illustration.
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Chand Bibi, the "Invincible Lady of Ahmednagar," is amongst the handful of celebrated female figures in Indian history. She wielded a powerful influence over her husband the Sultan of Bijapur Ali Adil Shah, and upon being widowed was appointed regent to his heir. Her power and capability made her an object of envy and she soon became embroiled in the political maneuverings of the Deccan courts, fueled in part by the Mughals whose aim was to annex these territories. She bravely defended Bijapur and Ahmednagar against Mughal aggression but was ultimately treacherously assassinated.

Chand's leadership and courage were admired by even her adversaries the Mughals. Describing her defense of Ahmednagar Fort in 1595, the historian Abu'l Fazl writes, "Chand Bibi appeared with a veil on her head. She got guns to be brought to bear on the assailants, and stones to be hurled at them, so that they were repulsed in several repeated attacks. During the night, she stood by the workmen and caused the breach to be filled up nine feet, before daylight, with wood, stones and carcasses."

During the 1950s Husain began his travels across India imbibing the rich repertoire of tales, myths and legends of the subcontinent as a source of inspiration for this work.  He captures the courage and resilience of this remarkable queen in this haunting portrait. The strong contours of her face with its piercing eyes are boldly outlined and filled with blocks of saffron, white and green drawn from the shades of the Indian Tricolor. Husain celebrates the memory of this brave queen as an ideal of Indian womanhood and a symbol of national pride.