How did India’s most expensive artwork, by MF Husain, reach a Norway hospital?
In a surprising turn of events, a painting by the late Indian artist MF Husain, valued at a staggering ₹118 crore, has made its way to a Norway hospital. The masterpiece, titled ‘Untitled (Gram Yatra)’, was sold at a Christie’s auction, and it is now the most expensive artwork in India. But how did this painting, which was once owned by a Norway-based surgeon, end up in a hospital corridor?
To understand the journey of this artwork, we need to go back in time to the 1950s. In 1954, the painting was purchased by Dr. LE Volodarsky, a Norway-based surgeon, from Husain himself. Volodarsky, who was a fan of the artist’s work, bought the painting for his Oslo home, where it remained for over a decade.
Fast forward to the 1960s, Volodarsky decided to donate the painting to the Oslo University Hospital, where it was exhibited in a private corridor. The hospital, which is one of the largest in Norway, has a long history of supporting the arts and has a collection of over 1,500 artworks.
So, what prompted Volodarsky to donate the painting to the hospital? According to reports, the surgeon was impressed by the hospital’s commitment to the arts and its efforts to use art therapy to improve patient care. He wanted to contribute to this cause and saw the painting as a way to do so.
The painting, which is a vibrant depiction of rural India, is considered one of Husain’s most important works. It is a testament to the artist’s ability to capture the essence of Indian culture and society, and it is a reflection of his fascination with the country’s rural landscapes.
Over the years, the painting has become a prized possession of the hospital, and it has been exhibited regularly in the hospital’s corridors. However, its value has only increased over time, and it is now considered India’s most expensive artwork.
The sale of the painting at Christie’s auction was a significant moment in the art world, and it marked a new era in the recognition of Indian art on the global stage. The auction house, which is one of the most prestigious in the world, has a long history of selling important artworks, and the sale of ‘Untitled (Gram Yatra)’ was seen as a major coup.
The sale of the painting is not only significant for its monetary value but also for its cultural significance. It is a reflection of the growing recognition of Indian art on the global stage, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of Husain’s work.
In conclusion, the journey of ‘Untitled (Gram Yatra)’ from Norway to a Norway hospital is a fascinating one. From its origins in the 1950s to its sale at Christie’s auction, the painting has been a prized possession of several owners. Its eventual donation to the Oslo University Hospital was a testament to the surgeon’s commitment to the arts and his desire to contribute to the hospital’s mission.
The painting’s value has only increased over time, and it is now considered India’s most expensive artwork. Its sale at Christie’s auction marked a new era in the recognition of Indian art on the global stage, and it is a testament to the enduring appeal of Husain’s work.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/m-f-husain-painting-9903618/lite/
