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104

105

M F Husain’s knowledge of India’s many religions and

mythologies allowed him to refer to diverse sources for

inspiration. The present lot is quintessentially Husain, with

multi‒layered symbolism. Husain subtly explores the effect

of juxtaposing different motifs, such as the flower with the

lamp: the latter a recurring element inmany of his paintings.

The elephant assumes a symbolic or mythological role

depending on the context, either when concomitant with

women, or as the sole subject where the reference is to

Ganesha.

The present lot also refers to Gajalakshmi, one of the

eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi. Traditional

iconography shows Gajalakshmi seated on a lotus, flanked

by two elephants who pour water over her. She is typically

depicted with four arms: her two upper arms holding

lotuses, and her two lower arms in a gesture of blessing her

devotees with wealth and prosperity. In some paintings,

gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, symbolising

wealth and prosperity. In this version by Husain, the

imagery is pared down, but still recognisable. The central

figure holds a flower in her upper left hand, coins flow from

her right hand, and an elephant is part of the composition.

Whether or not one is familiar with the iconography,

Husain’s paints each element in his distinct style, creating a

painting with a dynamic composition.

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT

PRIVATE COLLECTION, NEW DELHI

51

M F HUSAIN

(1913 ‒ 2011)

Untitled

Signed in Devnagari and signed and

dated 'Husain '77' (upper left)

1977

Oil on canvas

47.75 x 35.75 in (121.3 x 90.6 cm)

Rs 80,00,000 ‒ 1,20,00,000

$ 126,985 ‒ 190,480

PROVENANCE

Acquired from Gita Art Gallery, circa1970s

M F Husain, circa 1986

Source: via Wikimedia Commons