How did India’s most expensive artwork, by MF Husain, reach a Norway hospital?
Imagine strolling through the corridors of a hospital, surrounded by the beeps of machinery, the hum of fluorescent lights, and the gentle chatter of patients and medical staff. You wouldn’t expect to stumble upon a masterpiece of Indian art, let alone one that has just been sold for a record-breaking ₹118 crore. Yet, that’s exactly what you’d find at the Oslo University Hospital in Norway, where MF Husain’s painting “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” hangs proudly in a private corridor.
But how did this Indian art treasure end up in a Norwegian hospital? The story begins in the 1950s, when Indian art was still in its nascent stages of development. MF Husain, one of India’s most renowned artists, was just starting to make a name for himself in the art world. In 1954, he sold the painting to Norway-based surgeon LE Volodarsky, who purchased it for his Oslo home.
Fast forward to 1964, when Volodarsky decided to donate the painting to the Oslo University Hospital. At the time, it’s unlikely that either Husain or Volodarsky could have imagined that the painting would one day become India’s most expensive artwork.
So, what makes “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” so special? The painting is a masterpiece of Indian modern art, showcasing Husain’s unique blend of traditional Indian motifs and European modernist influences. The vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes are quintessentially Husain, and the painting is considered one of his most important works from the 1950s.
In recent years, the painting has undergone a series of owners, with each one adding to its rich history. In 2013, the painting was sold at a Christie’s auction in New York for a staggering $4.5 million. However, it wasn’t until November 2020 that the painting reached its current record-breaking price, when it was sold at a Christie’s auction in London for ₹118 crore.
So, why did the painting go to the Oslo University Hospital instead of a prominent museum or private collector? According to the hospital, the painting has been on display in a private corridor since 1964, where it has been admired by patients, staff, and visitors alike. While the hospital did not disclose the exact terms of the donation, it’s likely that Volodarsky donated the painting as a symbol of his appreciation for the hospital’s care and compassion.
In an era where art is often seen as a commodity, the story of “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” serves as a reminder of the power of art to bring people together. From its humble beginnings in Husain’s studio to its current status as India’s most expensive artwork, the painting has traversed continents and cultures, inspiring countless individuals along the way.
As the painting continues to hang in the Oslo University Hospital, it serves as a symbol of the enduring power of art to transcend borders and boundaries. It’s a testament to the generosity of Volodarsky, who saw the value in sharing this masterpiece with the world. And it’s a reminder that, even in the most unexpected places, art can bring joy, inspiration, and a sense of community to those who experience it.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/m-f-husain-painting-9903618/lite/
