Title: How did India’s most expensive artwork, by MF Husain, reach a Norway hospital?
The world of art is often shrouded in mystery, with the provenance of a piece being crucial to its value and significance. Recently, a remarkable story has emerged about a painting by the renowned Indian artist MF Husain, which has now become the country’s most expensive artwork. The painting, titled “Untitled (Gram Yatra)”, was sold at a Christie’s auction for a staggering ₹118 crore. But what makes this story even more fascinating is that the painting was donated to a hospital in Norway, where it has been on display for over five decades.
To understand how this incredible artwork ended up in a Norway hospital, we need to go back in time to 1954. At that point, the painting was purchased by a Norway-based surgeon named LE Volodarsky from Husain himself. Volodarsky was so taken by the painting that he decided to display it in his Oslo home. However, his love for the artwork soon turned into a sense of responsibility, and in 1964, he decided to donate the painting to the Oslo University Hospital.
The hospital, which is one of the largest in Norway, has a special corridor dedicated to showcasing art. And it was here that “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” found a new home. For over 50 years, the painting remained on display, admired by patients, staff, and visitors alike. Little did anyone know that this painting would one day become the most expensive artwork in India.
So, what makes “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” so special? The painting is a masterpiece of Indian modern art, featuring a vibrant and dynamic depiction of rural India. Husain’s unique style, which blended traditional Indian motifs with modernist techniques, has captivated audiences worldwide. This particular painting is a testament to his skill and creativity, and its value reflects its rarity and significance.
The sale of the painting at Christie’s auction house in 2020 was a significant event, not just for art enthusiasts but for the Indian art world as a whole. The auction house had initially estimated the painting’s value to be around ₹40-60 crore, but it ultimately sold for a staggering ₹118 crore. The buyer was an anonymous collector, but the sale has sparked a renewed interest in Indian modern art and the works of MF Husain.
The story of “Untitled (Gram Yatra”‘s journey from Husain’s studio to the Oslo hospital and finally to Christie’s auction house is a fascinating one. It highlights the power of art to transcend borders and cultures, and the importance of provenance in determining the value and significance of a piece.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Dr. Torstein Rotehagen, the Medical Director of Oslo University Hospital, spoke about the painting’s significance to the hospital. “The painting has been an important part of our hospital’s history and culture for many years,” he said. “We are glad that it has found a new home where it can be appreciated by many more people.”
As “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” takes its place in the annals of Indian art history, it is a reminder of the enduring power of art to inspire and captivate us. From its humble beginnings in Husain’s studio to its current status as India’s most expensive artwork, this painting has undergone a remarkable journey. And who knows? Perhaps one day, it will find its way back to India, where it can be admired by art lovers and enthusiasts alike.
News Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/m-f-husain-painting-9903618/lite/
