Homi Jehangir Bhabha is renowned globally as a brilliant scientist and is often referred to as the 'father of India's Nuclear Programme.' Yet, delving deeper into his life unveils another facet – that of an accomplished artist whose passion for various art forms ran just as deep. For him, these pursuits held a significance that paralleled his pursuits in mathematics and physics, going beyond mere hobbies to become an integral part of his meaningful existence.

One particular work, titled 'Angels Concert… Homage to Mozart' stands out as a testament to Bhabha's multifaceted talents. This oil on canvas painting seamlessly blends two of his greatest passions – art and music. The artwork presents a celestial tableau where ethereal figures reminiscent of heavenly angels converge in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of their own. Bathed in a luminous radiance, their graceful forms emit an otherworldly aura as they engage in a melodious concert. This masterpiece captures a moment of divine harmony, a timeless depiction of celestial beings united in a captivating performance that resonates with both heavenly and earthly realms. The painting bears the artist's initial 'H' at the canvas's centre, a personal touch that underscores its significance. This work also evokes the sentiment of the revered Swiss theologian Karl Barth, who once mused that if angels in heaven played music, it would be Mozart's melodies that filled the air.

Upon his arrival at Cambridge in October 1927, Homi Bhabha swiftly immersed himself in the study of harmony and counterpoint. He ingeniously synchronised recorded music with its corresponding scores and ventured into the world of composition, penning essays that echoed the style of Mozart. Gradually, Bhabha's admiration for Mozart's music blossomed, resulting in a profound affinity. This devotion found expression in two extraordinary paintings, both deeply influenced by Mozart. Among them, the highlighted artwork – "Angels' Concert" – stands as a poignant tribute, a heartfelt homage to the enduring legacy of the musical maestro.

Born on October 30th, 1909, in Bombay, Homi Bhabha was fortunate to be surrounded by a milieu of constant learning from an early age. The family's collection of books encompassed a wide range of subjects – history, literature, and poetry – lovingly curated by his grandfather, an educator named Hormusi. Furthermore, his father, Jehangir Hormusji Bhabha, amassed an eclectic assortment of illustrated volumes focusing on the Italian Renaissance and the works of Spanish, Flemish, Dutch, British, and French masters during his time at Oxford.

In his formative years, Bhabha received instruction in the traditional academic art style from the meticulous tutor Mr Jehangir Lalkaka. His talent earned him accolades, including several awards for artists under 18 at the Annual Exhibitions of the Bombay Art Society. Particularly noteworthy was a self-portrait he crafted at the age of 17, an earnest effort that mirrored Rembrandt's technique.

Simultaneously, Bhabha's early exposure to a rich musical landscape fostered a deep love for music. He immersed himself in the masterpieces of Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Haydn, and Schubert, encompassing symphonies, concertos, and chamber compositions. His musical appreciation extended to a diverse spectrum of classical works by Chopin, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Dvorak, Tschaikovsky, and other esteemed composers.

However, Bhabha's contributions to the world of art were not confined to his musical endeavours. Starting in the early 1950s, he spearheaded the establishment of the TIFR collection, which rapidly evolved into a premier compilation of Indian modern art on a global scale. Bhabha's motivation stemmed from his artistic inclinations and his desire to cultivate the aesthetic sensibilities of the institute's scientists.

This beautiful painting will be appearing in AstaGuru’s upcoming ‘Modern Treasures’ Auction, which will showcase a captivating tapestry of Modern Indian Art with an exquisite array of rare and exquisite works by iconic Indian modernists.

The finely curated catalogue offers an eclectic selection of works by Jamini Roy, M. F. Husain, S. H. Raza, K. H. Ara, F. N. Souza, Sadanand Bakre, Akbar Padamsee, Krishen Khanna, Avinash Chandra, Ram Kumar, K. G. Subramanyan, H. A Gade, Ganesh Pyne, Jogen Chowdhury, G.R. Santosh, J Swaminathan, K. Laxma Goud, Thota Vaikuntam, K. K. Hebbar, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Bhupen Khakhar, Satish Gujaral, B. Prabha, Sakti Burman, Manu Parekh, Paramjit Singh, among others. The auction is scheduled on September 1-2, 2023.