Maqbool Fida Husain

Acquired from Dhoomimal Gallery, New Delhi circa early 1970s

There are small scattered spots of accretion and light wear visible across the surface of the work. This painting would benefit from a light clean and is in good overall condition, 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 1948, Maqbool Fida Husain visited the India Independence Exhibition with Francis Newton Souza, where they admired medieval stone sculpture and traditional miniature painting from the Rajput and Pahari courts. This experience served as a catalyst for the evolution of Husain’s unique visual vocabulary replete with ancient iconography and the voluptuous curves and fluid postures of early and medieval Indian sculpture.

Husain was also inspired by Indian mythology, and the figure on the right is most likely a depiction of Queen Maya. The tale speaks of the queen having a vivid dream that she was being carried away by four spirits to a lake in the Himalayas. She bathed in the lake; was perfumed and dressed, after which a white elephant holding a lotus flower entered her womb. The next day, wise men interpreted her dream to mean that the queen was chosen to give birth to a very special child. Legend has it that this child was Buddha.

In this painting, Husain's penchant for flat planes of colour have been abandoned in favour of a layering of pigment and texture, resulting in a more mature version of the subject. The enchanting story depicted on the canvas, combined with the masterful rendering of subtle colours, makes this work a truly special offering.