How did India’s most expensive artwork, by MF Husain, reach a Norway hospital?
In a fascinating tale of art, philanthropy, and serendipity, the most expensive artwork in India, a painting by the renowned artist MF Husain, has found a unique home in a Norway hospital. The painting, titled “Untitled (Gram Yatra)”, was sold at a Christie’s auction in 2015 for a staggering ₹118 crore, a record-breaking price for an Indian artwork. But how did this masterpiece end up in a hospital corridor in Oslo, Norway? To unravel this intriguing story, we need to go back in time to the 1950s.
In 1954, Dr. LE Volodarsky, a Norway-based surgeon, purchased the painting from MF Husain himself. At the time, Husain was a relatively unknown artist, and Volodarsky was drawn to the painting’s unique blend of traditional Indian art forms with modernist influences. Volodarsky, who was known for his passion for art, wanted to add the painting to his personal collection, which already boasted works by prominent artists from Europe and India.
For the next decade, the painting hung in Volodarsky’s Oslo home, a testament to his appreciation for Indian art and culture. However, in 1964, Volodarsky made a decision that would change the fate of the painting forever. He decided to donate the artwork to the Oslo University Hospital, where he worked as a surgeon. The hospital, which was eager to promote art and culture in the healthcare sector, gladly accepted the gift.
Initially, the painting was exhibited in a private corridor within the hospital, where it remained for over 50 years. The hospital staff and patients alike would often marvel at the vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes that seemed to dance across the canvas. The painting became a beloved part of the hospital’s cultural landscape, a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Indian art.
Fast-forward to 2015, when the Oslo University Hospital decided to sell the painting to raise funds for medical research and treatment. Christie’s auction house was chosen to handle the sale, and the painting was expected to fetch a moderate price. However, the art world was in for a surprise.
As the auction began, the bidding started slowly, but as the price rose, the excitement in the room grew. When the hammer finally came down, the painting had sold for a staggering ₹118 crore, making it the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold at auction. The buyer was a private collector, who wished to remain anonymous.
The sale of the painting sent shockwaves through the art world, with many experts hailing it as a landmark moment for Indian art. The sale also sparked a renewed interest in MF Husain’s work, with many art enthusiasts and collectors seeking out his other pieces.
In conclusion, the journey of MF Husain’s “Untitled (Gram Yatra)” is a testament to the power of art to bring people together and transcend borders. From its humble beginnings in a Norway-based surgeon’s home to its current status as India’s most expensive artwork, the painting has traveled an incredible distance. Its journey is a reminder that art can be a powerful force for good, capable of inspiring and uplifting people from all walks of life.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/m-f-husain-painting-9903618/lite/
