Gaitonde’s 1974 work major draw at Sotheby’s auction

New Delhi, September 22 

After a spectacular maiden auction in India, Sotheby’s is all set to host their second sale ‘Boundless: India 2019’ on November 15, with VS Gaitonde’s 1974 untitled painting leading the lot.

The never-before-seen work was in possession of Kali Pundole, one of the greatest Indian gallerists of the 20th century, until actress and society doyenne Sabira Merchant acquired it in 1975, a time when India was on the brink of entering the space and atomic age. The period saw innovation, technology, experimentation in the field of science, and had a profound impact on contemporary artists, architects and designers who embraced the adventurous spirit of the times.

Gaitonde’s luminous painting can be read within the context of this space age — five orbs are suspended in space like planets, on a large vertical canvas that is broadly divided into horizontal swathes of gold and bronze, in strips of colour reminiscent of the horizon.

Merchant said she was drawn to Gaitonde’s work because of its composition and colouring. It had been hanging in Merchant’s home for the last 40 years.

Sotheby’s inaugural auction in India in November last year achieved an overall total of Rs 55.40 crore, establishing a new auction record for Amrita Sher-Gil in India among others. ‘Boundless: India 2019’ will be held at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Colaba in Mumbai. — PTI