Maqbool Fida Husain

Private Collection, Mumbai

Thence by descent to the present owner

There is wear along the four corners, and losses to the canvas and paint around the edges. Paint shrinkage and craquelure is visible throughout with small associated paint losses. The painting has been recently cleaned and lightly varnished.
"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 classical Indian mythology, horses draw the chariot of the Sun God Surya; they are symbols of the sun itself, of time and of knowledge. In certain Puranic myths, horses are said to have emerged from the sea, and during the early Vedic period, the sacrifice of horses was widely prevalent. For Husain, they are symbols of sustaining forces. Riderless, his horses look out across timeless landscapes or back towards an unseen audience. The images are metaphorical and at times powerfully evocative.

In 1952, Husain visited China where he studied the Sung dynasty’s depiction of horses in pottery nd met painter Chi’ Pai-Shih who was known for his monochromatic paintings of animals with their minimalistic use of line to achieve form and movement. The condensing of form is what inspired Husain. The artist admitted that he felt that challenge in art remained in creating forms in the simplest manner possible.

Husain arguably India’s finest draughtsman was known to finish a work in one sitting. Like ink paintings, the lines were drawn directly with a paintbrush making no room for error as once applied, the paint couldn’t be removed easily. This painting serves as a fine example of his mastery and extreme confidence with which he applied his brushstrokes.