Saffronart to host first major art auction in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Artworks by eminent modern Indian artists like Jehangir Sabavala, K G Subramanyan, M F Husain and S H Raza among others are set to go under the hammer in the first live auction in over a decade by Saffronart here.

The auctioneers, which calls itself India's largest platform for fine and collectibles is scheduled to host the Saffronart Modern Evening Sale on September 4 at The Oberoi.

"A total of 90 artworks, will mark the 100th auction for Saffronart", says the auction house, which was founded in 2000 and is the subject of a case study at Harvard Business School.

Featured on the cover of the catalogue accompanying the sale is a work "La Terre" by S H Raza.

"The monumental work epitomises the convergence of his artistic and philosophical assimilations throughout his 70-year career, and is valued at Rs 5 crores to Rs 7 crores," says the auction house.

Two other works by the artist, "Grey Landscape" and "Terre Jaune", are also among the top lots.

"We are delighted to host Delhi's first major live auction in more than a decade,Delhi is one of the largest markets for our online auctions and with this live auction we are opening a new chapter in this art-loving city," says Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder, Saffronart.

Subramanyan's triptych, "Pastoral", a 12-foot acrylic and oil on canvas mural offers the viewer a glimpse into various scenes unfolding simultaneously across India and is estimated to fetch between Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore.

Sabavala's "Flight Into Egypt-I" has gained numerous accolades from leading art critics over the years and has been lauded for its technical virtuosity and unique portrayal of a subject depicted through centuries in religious art. The artwork has been pegged to fetch between Rs 80 lakhs to Rs 90 lakhs.

A 1970 oil-on-canvas work by M F Husain of a 10-foot high scroll of a horse caught leaping in action has been estimated to fetch between Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore.
Meanwhile, collectors can bid in the room, on the phone or place bids online from anywhere globally on the Saffronart website while viewing a live video webcast. Preview of the works is set to be held on September 2 at the same venue as the auction.