Description:

Lot 4. MAQBOOL FIDA HUSAIN (1913–2011) UNTITLED, SIGNED TOP RIGHT, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
Dated 1971

Painted in acrylic on canvas, this composition juxtaposes angular, cubist-inspired forms with vivid blocks of colour in burnt orange, ochre, black, and pale green. Two standing female figures occupy the right of the composition—one draped in white and crimson, the other nude in yellow-green tones—set before a textured field of sienna and umber. At left, a semicircular red form encloses a cluster of stylised, interlocking figures rendered in grey and black, their rhythmic poses suggesting movement and narrative interplay. A small white elephant figure, positioned above, introduces a note of symbolic contrast against the dark ground. The artist’s signature, Husain 1971, appears at the upper right corner.

This work exemplifies Husain’s mature synthesis of figuration and abstraction, translating the vitality of traditional Indian imagery into a distinctly modern visual language. His flattened perspective, decisive contours, and chromatic daring evoke both the spirit of post-Independence experimentation and a timeless humanism grounded in the Indian experience.

Measurements: 48 x 36 in (121.9 x 91.4 cm)

Footnotes:

Maqbool Fida Husain, an illustrious figure in Indian art, was born in 1915 in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, leaving an indelible mark on the country's cultural landscape. A luminary and co-founder of the Progressive Artists Group in 1947, Husain played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of modern art in India. His canvases, pulsating with life, were a dynamic convergence of traditional Indian motifs, mythological themes, and contemporary societal reflections.

Husain's oeuvre, marked by vivid hues and bold strokes, achieved global recognition for its compelling fusion of traditional aesthetics with modern sensibilities. However, his later years were overshadowed by controversy and political censure, leading to a self-imposed exile from his homeland. Despite the challenges, his artistic legacy endures, sparking conversations on the intricate interplay between art, culture, and societal norms in India.

His paintings, resonant with symbolism and cultural narratives, continue to captivate audiences worldwide. M.F. Husain's artistic journey, from the founding of the Progressive Artists Group to the complexities of his later life, remains an integral part of Indian artistic narrative. His demise in 2011 marked the end of a chapter in Indian art, leaving behind a legacy that transcends boundaries and continues to provoke thought and dialogue in the global artistic community.


Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

November 7, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 31% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000