- 25
Prodosh Das Gupta
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- Prodosh Das Gupta
- Twins
- Signed, dated and editioned '2/5 P Das Gupta 1973' indistinctly on the base of each work
Edition 2 of 5
- Bronze
- 45.5 x 20 x 7.5 cm. (17 ⅞ x 7 ⅞ x 2 ⅞ in.) each
- Cast in 1973
Provenance
Acquired in the early 1980s from a gallery in New Delhi by the cultural attaché at the French embassy in India
Condition
The patina is uneven due to the natural aging process and there is discolouration throughout. Pitting and small nicks are also present across the surface of both sculptures. Small losses are visible, particularly underneath the works as they are not mounted onto plinths. These works are in good overall condition for their age, 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
Early in his career, Prodosh Das Gupta joined the Calcutta Group which was formed in 1943. Around that time, a desire arose amongst the Indian avant-garde artists to modernise their style. The Calcutta Group broke free from the then popular academic realism that focused on subject matter. The present lot demonstrates Prodosh Das Gupta’s close scrutiny of the work of international sculptors such as Alberto Giacometti, Constantin Brâncuși and Jean Arp who prevailed in the 20th century. Executed during the artist’s pivotal years in the early 70s, Twins depicts two abstract kneeling figures that gracefully twist at the torsos. The two piece sculpture is evocative of Das Gupta's fluid yet abstract style and is very beguiling. In 1955, Das Gupta had stated: “Representation of the human form in sculpture is no longer necessary. Any form considered aesthetically beautiful will do. This non-humanisation of the sculptural form is vitally important in considering the modern trend in sculpture”. (A. Bhowmick, 'An Artist of the Indian Renaissance', Prodosh Das Gupta - Sculptures & Drawings, edited by V.K. Jain, Kumar Gallery, New Delhi, 2008, p. 28).