Tag: Indian History

Historic Dalai Lama Sale at Bonhams Breaks Records with Krishna Kanwalโ€™s Watercolors and Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s Archive

By on • ( Leave a comment )
The Dalai Lama on the Throne

Discover the remarkable story behind Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s historic collectionโ€”featuring exclusive artworks, rare photographs, and personal artifacts from Tibetโ€™s most pivotal moments. From Krishna Kanwalโ€™s evocative watercolors capturing the enthronement of the young Dalai Lama to Gouldโ€™s intimate archive of images and memorabilia, this auction offers a rare glimpse into a transformative chapter of Tibetan history. Uncover the full story of this extraordinary sale and the figures who shaped itโ€”an event that achieved nearly a million pounds in just one day.

Rare Gandhi Portrait Achieves ยฃ152,800, Tripling Its Estimate

By on • ( 1 Comment )
Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi by Clare Leighton

Discover the extraordinary story behind a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi that recently shattered auction records. Created by Clare Leightonโ€”an artist who personally met Gandhi during a pivotal moment in historyโ€”this painting is more than just a work of art; itโ€™s a unique glimpse into a legendary leaderโ€™s life. From its remarkable journey through history to its astonishing sale price, uncover the fascinating details that make this portrait a true treasure for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Dive into the full story to learn why this artwork captivated the world and what it reveals about Gandhiโ€™s enduring legacy.

Extraordinary 14th Dalai Lama Enthronement Art and Archive to Be Sold at Historic Auction

By on • ( 1 Comment )

A long-lost collection of rare artworks and artifacts from the enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama is about to make history at Bonhams. Featuring never-before-auctioned watercolours, personal archives, and cinematic footage from Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s diplomatic mission to Tibet, this extraordinary sale offers an intimate glimpse into one of the most pivotal moments in Tibetan history. With collectors and historians eagerly anticipating the event, the significance of these treasures cannot be overstated.

A Love Letter to India: Sayed Haider Razaโ€™s La Terre Sells for Record-Breaking $4.2 Million

By on • ( Leave a comment )

In a historic moment for South Asian art, Sayed Haider Razaโ€™s ‘La Terre’โ€”an evocative masterpiece described as the artistโ€™s โ€œlove letter to Indiaโ€โ€”has shattered records at Bonhams in London, selling for an astonishing $4.2 million. Painted in 1985, the monumental work captures Razaโ€™s deep connection to his Indian heritage through its striking geometric abstraction and earthy palette. This landmark sale not only highlights the growing global appreciation for modern Indian art but also cements Razaโ€™s legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Discover the story behind the painting, its spiritual roots, and its journey to the auction block.

Francis Newton Souza’s Painting Sells for โ‚ฌ1.47 Million at Bukowskis Auction in Stockholm Setting a Record

By on • ( 4 Comments )

Francis Newton Souza’s painting “Portrait of a Man” fetched an astounding โ‚ฌ1,470,000 at Bukowskis auction in Stockholm this June 12, 2024. The sale far exceeded its initial estimate of โ‚ฌ135,000-โ‚ฌ180,000, making it the most valuable work by Souza ever sold in Europe. In 1947, Souza co-founded the Progressive Artists Group (PAG) with other avant-garde artists. The group aimed to merge India’s classical culture with innovative Western techniques, playing a crucial role in the development of modern art in India.