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Ismail Gulgee (Pakistani, 1926–2007)
LOT ID: 67951
Composition, 2004

Oil, on canvas
40 х 36 in. cm.
Signed, and dated lower front. This work comes with a formal certificate of authenticity.
Lot description

Framed: 60 x 42 in. This work is framed and in excellent condition.

"Composition" is the largest and most visually arresting oil painting known, infusing lyrical movements and intense emotion in this exquisite work on canvas, by famed Post-Modern Pakistani artist Ismail Gulgee (1926-2007). This museum-level painting exemplifies his iconic expressionistic style that has made the work of Gulgee sought the world over. "Composition' was created in 2004, with gestural brush-strokes that intentionally references calligraphy and Islamic letters, along with a brilliant use of color. This is a major example of Gulgee's esteemed series of oil painting based on calligraphy and abstraction, painted with an incredible sense of energy and vivid use of color yet infused with harmony. This work is in perfect condition and is custom framed to larger dimensions. Dimensions listed are for the painting itself.

Born in Peshawar Pakistan, Ismail Gulgee (1926-2007) was one of the most renowned artists of South Asia, painting for royalty, dignitaries, and elites alike. Though he also worked in portraiture, Gulgee was strongly influenced by traditional Islamic calligraphy, creating captivating works which combined abstract expressionism with gestural painting. Flowing forms and diverse palettes spread across his canvases in complex compositions which would often include mirror glass, gold, or silver leaf to add visual intricacy to the works. Though carefully thought out in their execution, his works nevertheless maintain a freely expressive tangibility to them, resonating with emotion and energy in every aspect.
Alternate Views: 1 of 1
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Additional Market Information

Note This painting is larger in dimension and more dynamic than all auction comparables listed from this Series.

Sales Results for Comparable Works

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  • Ismail Gulgee

    Allah
    oil on canvas
    (H 30.3, W 24.0) in.
    (77 x 61) cm.
    Sold for: US$13,062
    Tuesday, October 11, 2011
    Artcurial – Briest- Poulain - F.Tajan
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  • Ismail Gulgee

    Al muhsi
    oil on canvas
    (H 24.1, W 29.9) in.
    (61.1 x 76) cm.
    Sold for: US$20,475
    Thursday, June 09, 2011
    Christie's London
    Lot 00104
  • Ismail Gulgee

    Nathla
    acrylic on canvas
    (H 35.4, W 29.3) in.
    (89.8 x 74.3) cm.
    Sold for: US$16,000
    Monday, October 11, 2010
    Bonhams Dubai
    Lot 00136
  • Ismail Gulgee

    Untitled
    oil and mixed media on canvas
    (H 23.3, W 17.3) in.
    (59.3 x 44) cm.
    Sold for: US$8,155
    Wednesday, June 10, 2009
    Christie's South Kensington
    Lot 00030
  • Ismail Gulgee

    Untitled (The most merciful, the most compassionate)
    oil and gold leaf on canvas
    (H 35.4, W 47.6) in.
    (90 x 121) cm.
    Sold for: US$26,400
    Monday, November 24, 2008
    Bonhams Dubai
    Lot 00078
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