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