Maqbool Fida Husain (Indian, 1915–2011)

LOT ID: 69583

Paola, 1958

Oil, on canvas

57.1 х 18.9 in. cm.

Signed, inscribed, and dated '58 lower front right in oil paint. This painting was acquired by present owner directly from the artist, with all supporting documentation.

Lot description

"Paola" leans suggestively on a low stone wall, one hand on hip, the other bearing a large beaded bracelet, auburn hair with short bangs framing luminous blue eyes, this nearly life-size oil painting of a beautiful young woman is a true masterpiece by one of India's most famous Post-Modern and Contemporary artists Maqbool Fida (M.F.) Husain. Painted in 1958, "Paola" is one of Husain's most dynamic, exciting and specific oil paintings known. This work is incredibly rare and desirable, due to the early date of the work, its large scale, and the specificity of the composition, namely that Husain is painting a portrait of a specific person. Who is Paola and what is her relationship to the artist? This is an exciting example of Husain's frequent theme of depicting women, occasionally in this vertical format in his oeuvre, and his iconic use of Western modernism and Indian artistic tradition here is at is apex. For example, Paola in name and demeanor appears to be non-Indian, wearing a western-style outfit that was "au current" in 1958; a fitted crisp white collared shirt, blue rolled capri pants and white ballet-flats that are met with a traditional rural Indian setting with vibrant saffron yellow background framing her figure. Husain's definite use of bold black lines that define her figure are another signature of the artist. Note: This work is custom framed in dark brown wood frame and is in excellent condition.

Maqbool Fida Husain (B. 1915-2011) was a proclaimed self-taught artist, was born in Maharashtra, in West India. As seen here, Husain applies a cubist approach to his art, fracturing forms and skewing perspectives, yet maintains an overall figurative element deeply rooted in traditional Indian imagery. His work is characterized by capturing the true and honest nature of the human condition through his unique painting style. In 1971 he was invited, along with Pablo Picasso, to the Sao Paulo Biennial and in subsequent years was the focus of several retrospectives in Calcutta, Mumbai, and Delhi. His work has been exhibited at the Royal Academy of the Arts and Tate Gallery both in London, the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington D.C. In recent years since Husain’s passing, his work's public presence has increased drastically, as his paintings have consistently achieved strong prices, with the record being $1,609,000 USD at Christie’s New York in March 2008.

Literature and Catalogue Raisoneé
Literature and Catalogue Raisoneé
Condition Report
Condition Report
Current lot doesn't have any damage.
History and Provenance
History and Provenance
Provenance:
1958: The Artist.
1958-2007: Aquired by owner directly from The Artist.
2008: Christie's New York, Thursday, March 20, 2008. Lot 91. South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art.
2008-present: Private Collection, India.
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Shipping Carrier:
Freight, Fine Art Shipper

Shipping Weight: 19 lbs

Framing: Yes (0 x 0 inches)

Item Location: India

Shipping Options:
This work is framed. Will ship world-wide. Buyer pays shipping fees, VAt/taxes as applicable.
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Contact the Specialist

Heather Russell

Senior Specialist, Modern & Contemporary Asian Art

New York

(212) 497-9700 692

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Lot ID

69583

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Maqbool Fida Husain

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Paola

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Maqbool Fida Husain (Indian, 1915–2011)

LOT ID: 69583

Paola, 1958

CONFIRMATION

Heather Russell

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