seniorspectrumnewspaper – Nearly two dozen rare paintings by MF Husain, one of India’s most celebrated modern artists, are finally set to be auctioned. These 25 works have remained hidden in a bank vault since 2008, after authorities seized them from a businessman accused of loan fraud. The auction, scheduled for 12 June in Mumbai, will mark the first public viewing of these paintings in over two decades. This group of works is part of an ambitious 100-painting series Husain started but never completed. The collection offers a unique glimpse into the artist’s vision of the 20th century. The auction could fetch up to $29 million, reflecting the growing global demand for Husain’s art.
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The Ambitious Billion-Rupee Deal That Sparked Controversy
In 2004, MF Husain signed a billion-rupee deal with Mumbai businessman Guru Swarup Srivastava. The agreement involved selling 100 paintings, with 25 works delivered as the first installment. Media called it “India’s biggest art deal,” propelling Srivastava into the spotlight. Husain aimed to compete with other top Indian artists, such as Tyeb Mehta, who had set new price records. However, two years later, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) accused Srivastava of misusing a government-backed agricultural loan. The allegations claimed Srivastava diverted funds into real estate, mutual funds, and Husain paintings. While Srivastava denied the charges, legal battles led to the seizure of the paintings in 2008.
Paintings Seized and Locked Away for Over a Decade
Following a court order, the government-backed agricultural body seized one billion rupees worth of assets, including the 25 MF Husain paintings. The artworks remained in bank vaults for more than a decade, unseen by the public or collectors. This prolonged delay stemmed from ongoing legal disputes surrounding Srivastava’s loan default case. Earlier this year, a court cleared the way for the paintings to be auctioned to recover part of the outstanding loan. This decision finally allowed the works to return to public view, ending their long period of obscurity. The auction offers a rare opportunity to witness Husain’s powerful reflections on the 20th century.
Husain’s Bold Artistic Vision of a Turbulent Century
The 25 paintings capture MF Husain’s unique interpretation of major historical and social events of the 20th century. His vibrant acrylic canvases depict a variety of scenes—from global political conflicts to cultural icons. One painting shows a diverse group sitting together on a bench, symbolizing peaceful coexistence among world powers. Another contrasts Charlie Chaplin’s image with a rocket launch, highlighting social inequality and technological advancement. Other works portray the harsh realities of war, poverty, and tragedies like World War Two, the Partition of India, and the Holocaust. Husain’s bold style and evocative themes demonstrate why he remains a key figure in modern Indian art.
Legacy and Future of the 20th Century Series
MF Husain, often called the “Picasso of India,” died in 2011, leaving the 20th Century series unfinished. His studio was once Pundole Art Gallery, where many of these paintings were created. Husain’s passion for painting remained undisturbed even amid controversy. The auction allows the public to appreciate a significant chapter of his career, highlighting his competitive spirit and artistic innovation. For Srivastava, the deal stalled due to legal hurdles, but he once expressed Husain’s understanding of the delay. As these paintings re-enter the market, they symbolize a full-circle moment in Indian art history, connecting past struggles with renewed appreciation.
