Avinash Chandra

Acquired through George M Butcher by Dr. Simon Altmann and Susana ‘Bocha’ Altmann circa 1960

Thence by descent

Dr. Simon Altmann was a theoretical physicist and former Vice Principal of Brasenose College, Oxford. Born in Buenos Aires, Altmann received a doctorate in Chemistry, later obtaining a second doctorate at King’s College, London. He married Bocha Liebeschütz, a biochemist, in Buenos Aires in 1948 and the couple later settled in Oxford. Altmann was a respected lecturer and fellow at Brasenose College and alongside his scientific research and teaching, he had a profound interest in art, with a particular knowledge of Italian art history. During their time living in Oxford, the Altmanns became close family friends with George M. Butcher. Butcher was art critic for The Guardian and a staunch supporter of the burgeoning Indian and South Asian modern art scene. He spent more than two years in India and befriended many artists, gallerists and art critics.