Ambadas Khobragade (1922 - 2012)

Private Collection, Japan

Sotheby's New York, March 19 2008, lot 77

There is craquelure present across the surface and minor spots of paint loss around the edges of the painting. Frame: There is light wear to the 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.
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.

A prominent abstractionist painter, Ambadas Khobragade was involved in the founding of the legendary ‘Group 1890’. The group manifesto encouraged the eschewing of naturalism propagated by the early Bengal School. However, Khobragade did not aim for representation or narration but employed color and the intensity of his brush strokes to create his compelling tales.

Born in Akola in 1922, Khobragade went on to receive his diploma from the JJ School of Art, Mumbai in 1952. This work from 1967, aptly titled Possessed, portrays a figure contorted in angst and encompassed by the ferocity of a fiery orange and red background. Khobragade’s wife, Hege, has declared, “when Ambadas paints, he goes into a trance, his speech goes all slurry and he forgets his self in the act of painting.” (R. Karode ed., Ambadas, Sublime Encounters, 1965-2005, Delhi Art Gallery, New Delhi, 2008, p. 19). Having allowed himself to be consumed by his own artistic process, Khobragade’s enthralling command of form and colour invites the viewer to share in his meditative state.