For its upcoming milestone 100th auction, AstaGuru will showcase an exquisite array of works that delineate the trajectory of Modern Indian Art in the 20th century. From works by esteemed early modernists such as Jamini Roy, J P Gangooly, Amrita Sher-Gil, Sailoz Mookherjea, and N S Bendre, as well as stalwarts of the Progressive Artists’ Group including F N Souza, S H Raza, M F Husain, K H Ara, and others, the catalogue provides a comprehensive insight into the evolution of modern art in India. Presented below are a few highlights from the upcoming auction.

Lot no. 4 - Untitled (Clouds) by Nicholas Roerich

Roerich’s paintings of various mountains exhibit a profound admiration for these natural wonders, characterised by vibrant colours and meticulous detail. His ability to convey both the grandeur of nature and the depth of cultural significance through his art surpassed other landscape works of the time. The presented tempera on board work executed in 1919 is a fine example of this.

Lot no. 75 - Untitled (Horses) by M F Husain

Husain’s enduring fascination with horses first began when he was a child and witnessed the tazias taken out during Muharram processions. He was often seen drawing several horse forms in chalk or coal on his school’s walls and notebooks. He intended the powerful depiction of the horse to signify grace and freedom as seen in the presented lot, an oil on canvas work executed circa 1980.

Lot no. 63 - Untitled by J Swaminathan

The presented 1992 work executed using acrylic on canvas comes from Swaminathan’s vast oeuvre of large scale works. In his paintings of the ‘90’s, the eminent artist broke away from his earlier well ordered colour and geometry, going back to retrieve the pristine freshness of symbols as used in tribal art, applying the pigments with his fingers. He pondered about the way of life and translated his experiences onto the canvas.

Lot no. 46 - Untitled (Ed: 4/5) by Himmat Shah

Shah is best known for his innovative techniques, unique visual syntax and his modernist approach in his sculptures and relief work. His abstract works in terracotta and bronze are renowned around the world with the heads he creates being the best known. The presented bronze sculpture belongs to his oeuvre of heads.

Lot no. 49 - Untitled by Meera Mukherjee

The presented lot is a bronze sculpture from the prolific oeuvre of artist and sculptor Meera Mukherjee. She is mainly inspired by the life of the common man. In both her sculptures and her paintings, she depicts scenes from the everyday life of rural residents.

About AstaGuru

AstaGuru Auction House was conceptualised in the year 2008 with the sole purpose of creating a safe and secure platform to conduct online auctions for Contemporary & Modern Indian Art. Over the years, AstaGuru has curated auctions encompassing diverse categories, our portfolio includes art, jewellery, fine silver, timepieces, textiles, celebrity memorabilia, rare books, numismatic, philately, and vintage cars. In 2018, AstaGuru became the first Indian auction house to present an exclusive edition for vintage and classic cars. “AstaGuru has strived to successfully bridge the gap between prospective buyers and consignors by transcending the limitations of live auctions. AstaGuru imparts effortless transparency to the process of acquiring and selling art and rare collectibles. The online module offers bidders the opportunity to bid from the comfort of their houses or while they are on the go.

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