How did India’s most expensive artwork, by MF Husain, reach a Norway hospital?
In a fascinating tale of art, medicine, and philanthropy, India’s most expensive artwork, “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” by the renowned artist MF Husain, now valued at a staggering ₹118 crore, has an unexpected connection to a Norway hospital. The painting, which was sold at a Christie’s auction, has a rich history that spans over six decades, involving a Norwegian surgeon, LE Volodarsky, who purchased the artwork from Husain himself in 1954.
The story begins in the early 1950s when MF Husain, one of India’s most celebrated modern artists, was still in his early years of artistic experimentation. Husain, who was known for his unique blend of Indian folk art and modernist techniques, was already gaining recognition for his works, which often explored themes of Indian culture, mythology, and everyday life.
Meanwhile, in Norway, LE Volodarsky, a surgeon, was a student at the University of Oslo. Volodarsky, who was deeply interested in art, had heard about Husain’s work and was eager to own one of his paintings. In 1954, Volodarsky traveled to India and met Husain in Bombay (now Mumbai). The two artists struck up a conversation, and Volodarsky was impressed by Husain’s unique style and vision. He purchased “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” from Husain, and the painting became a prized possession in his Oslo home.
Fast-forward to the early 1960s, when Volodarsky’s career as a surgeon took off. He became a prominent figure in Oslo University Hospital, where he worked alongside other esteemed medical professionals. As his professional life flourished, Volodarsky felt that it was time to give back to his community. In 1964, he decided to donate “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” to the hospital, where it was exhibited in a private corridor.
For over three decades, the painting remained on display at the hospital, becoming a cherished part of the institution’s cultural heritage. The hospital staff and patients would often stop by to admire the vibrant colors and emotive brushstrokes of Husain’s masterpiece. However, the painting’s significance went beyond its aesthetic appeal; it also served as a symbol of the hospital’s commitment to fostering creativity and culture in the medical community.
In recent years, the Oslo University Hospital has undergone significant changes, including the renovation of its facilities and the introduction of new medical technologies. As part of this transformation, the hospital decided to put “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” up for auction to raise funds for new medical equipment and research initiatives.
The sale of the painting at Christie’s auction house in 2020 was a major event, with bidders from around the world vying for the chance to own India’s most expensive artwork. In the end, the painting fetched a staggering ₹118 crore, surpassing all expectations and cementing its place as one of the most valuable artworks in the world.
The sale of “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” has sparked a renewed interest in MF Husain’s work, as well as the fascinating story of LE Volodarsky and the Oslo University Hospital. As art enthusiasts and medical professionals alike continue to marvel at the painting’s beauty and significance, it is clear that this masterpiece has transcended its physical boundaries, touching the lives of people across cultures and continents.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/m-f-husain-painting-9903618/lite/
