Krishna Hawlaji Ara (1914 - 1985)

Acquired in India in the 1950s

Good overall condition as viewed. There is a 2 millimeter slight tear along the left border in the lower quadrant. The four corners of the work have pinholes and pinhead sized marks as the work appear to have been pinned to a surface while the artist was working, hence these areas do not have any paint in them. There is a very faint scratch and associated loss in the upper right corner.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In the 1950s, Ara changed his focus from still life to the female form. Most of these works depict voluptuous women turned away from the viewer, and the current painting is a wonderful example of this pose. When referring to the reason for this shift in Ara's subject matter, Yashodhara Dalmia asserts, 'He was not involved in the anatomy of the figure nor with forms of realism.  He was seeking a means of extending his language in colour, form, and composition and the nudes became an important component of this.  Moving away from the raw, jagged strokes of his still life paintings, he began to exercise a cool restraint, evenly spreading his colour on the canvas.' (Y. Dalmia, The Making of Modern Indian Art: The Progressives, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2001, p. 139)