- 48
Maqbool Fida Husain
Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Maqbool Fida Husain
- Padmini Mohini Shankhini
- Inscribed in Devanagari upper centre, and further signed, dated and inscribed 'M. F. Husain / London '73 I / "PADMINI-MOHINI-SHANKHINI '73"' on reverse
- Acrylic on canvas
- 83.1 by 100.8 cm. (32 ¾ by 39 ⅝ in.)
- Painted in 1973
Provenance
Christie's New York, 17 September 2003, lot 156
Saffronart, 19 December 2012, lot 24
Acquired from a private collector, Mumbai, 2014
Condition
In good overall condition, areas of craquelure and paint shrinkage particularly to upper and lower registers, minor surface abrasions, as viewed
"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
The subject of this painting, Padmini Mohini Shankhini, is one that Husain has returned to on a number of occasions. Padmini, Mohini, and Shankhini are typologies or ideals of the female form, as set out by the ancient Indian shastras. The current work, painted in 1973, displays the influence that classical Indian sculpture had on Husain’s work. The three female figures possess a rhythm and fluidity that is derived from the ancient Indian tribhanga pose that has a break at the neck, waist and knee. The painting also references the Three Graces and the trio of female deities of Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga, all subjects Husain has addressed previously in his paintings. The portrayal of women was a favoured subject, as explained by Dr. Daniel Herwitz ‘the central concern of Husain’s art, and its dominant motif, is woman... Strong angular lines and flatly applied patches of color are the instrument of the female form. Woman is seen either as a creation of lyric poetry, a sculpturesque and rhythmic figure of dance, or as an agent of fecundity.’ (D.Herwitz, Husain, Delhi, 1988, p.46)