International Art Auction

June 18, 2014

LOT 95

Lot 95

Maqbool Fida Husain (1915-2011)

Maqbool Fida Husain (1915-2011)
Lot 95 Details
Maqbool Fida Husain (1915-2011), Indian

FERTILITY

Oil on canvas; signed lower right, titled verso and inscribed number “H3-50/IC”
38.25" x 50" — 97.2 x 127 cm.

Estimate $300,000-$400,000

Realised: $155,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Maqbool Fida Husain (1915-2011)
  • Maqbool Fida Husain (1915-2011)
Provenance:

Private Collection, Montreal

Note:

Maqbool Fida Husain’s “Fertility” reinterprets the traditional Indian motif of the Mithuna or "loving couple", an iconic representation that first appeared in Indian sculpture over 2,000 years ago. Mithuna is understood to have multiple meanings, ranging from an obvious celebration of life's pleasures to the more metaphorical symbolism of a human soul's longing for union with the divine. Husain first painted the subject in his 1960 work "Mithuna Bronze” and would return to the theme throughout his career. In every incarnation, Husain transforms and all but rejects the old image. In the traditional motif, male and female are typically depicted in a loving embrace. Husain’s interpretation, by contrast, presents the couple with a different dynamic: glancing in opposing directions, recumbent, their postures exude isolation rather than unity.

According to Husain scholar Shiv. S. Kapur, there are two clearly discernible strains in Husain's painting; one which celebrates the beauty of life in simple forms and joyous rhythms of colour, and another which speaks of social hypocrisy, guilt and repression of sensuality. The disconnect between the male and female figures may allude to an erosion of a traditionally affirmative response to life experience in the community and the increasingly internal disintegration of the individual in modern society.

The juxtaposition of repression and celebration is also mirrored in the formal elements of "Fertility." The male figure in shades of grey appears cold and hard in contrast to his partner whose vibrant patches of colour and fiery yellow orb exude pulsating life. The traditionally positive connotations of the theme of “fertility” and new life contrasts strongly to the state of disconnect that appears to plague the subjects of this painting.

The Mithuna, along with a preoccupation with the female figure, are two of the most recognizable motifs in Husain's work which incorporate elements of classic Indian narratives as well as the influence of modern art's inward-looking tendencies. Husain's work reflects both upon the state of modern society while staying grounded in archetypal parables of life, love and death.

Source: "Husain" Richard Barthomew and Shiv S. Kapur; Harry Abrams Inc., New York 1971

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 95
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.