- 47
Maqbool Fida Husain
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Maqbool Fida Husain
- Devadasi
- Signed 'Husain' in Devanagari, Urdu and English and dated ''76' upper left and inscribed 'DEVADASI (DEVA-DASI, GODS SLAVE) / GIRLS DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF THE DEITY IN A HINDU TEMPLE. MEN FREQUENTLY GAVE / THEIR DAUGHTERS FOR TEMPLE SERVICE TO / SECURE SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS. SUN TEMPLES/ ALWAYS HAUNTS OF DEVADASIS / DEVADASI AS A RULE STARTED HER TRAINING / AT THE AGE OF SEVEN OR EIGHT. SHE WAS FIRST / "MARRIED" TO THE DEITY. A "TALI" OR MARRIAGE / BADGE IS TIED AROUND HER NECK. / THEREAFTER THE GIRLS WERE TRAINED BY BRAHMINS IN DANCING AND EROTIC ARTS. / 49" x 30" on reverse
- Oil on canvas
- 123.1 by 75 cm. (48 1/2 by 29 1/2 in.)
- Painted in 1976
Provenance
Acquired from Kali Pundole, Mumbai, circa late 1970s
Condition
Good overall condition, as viewed. Gold and silver pigment highly reflective and iridescent, not visible in catalogue illustration. Painting not examined outside of frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Devadasi is a girl who is a servant of a Hindu deity, dedicated to the worship and service of the god. Responsible for looking after the temple, performing rituals and mastering the classical arts of dance and music, Devadasis usually commenced their training at the age of seven or eight when they would be 'married' to the deity. A tali (marriage necklace) tied around their necks symbolised their service. This painting represents Husain’s enduring fascination with classical Indian art and culture and his focus on the depiction of women, which was so central to his art.
'The central concern of Husain's art, and its dominant motif, is woman... Spiritually, woman is more enduring. Pain comes naturally to her, as do compassion and a sense of the birth and death of things... Husain is aware of a sense of drama in a woman's passage, in sexual terms, from innocence to knowledge.' (Bartholomew and Kapur, Husain, Harry N. Abrams, New York, 1971, p. 46).