Delhi art auction concludes on high note

The second edition of "DAG Modern No Buyers Premium Auction of 20th Century Indian Art" concluded on a high note here, witnessing some exceptional bidding on selected lots and setting benchmarks and records for artists previously not associated with auctions.

Artist L.N. Taskar's untitled painting of a courtesan estimated at a lower value of Rs 30,00,000, was sold for an astounding Rs 75,00,000 -- a record for the artist that brought in thundering applause.

J.P. Gangooly's 'Spring in the Himalayas' estimated at Rs 8,00,000, was sold for Rs 20,00,000, Tyeb Mehta's lithograph, 'Kultura', estimated at Rs 4,00,000, sold at Rs 9,50,000. And an untitled Ram Kumar painting, estimated at Rs 20,00,000, fetched Rs 38,00,000.

These were not the only stars of the live auction. M.F. Husain's works did exceedingly well with 'Three Graces' occupying the slot with highest value at Rs 3,80,00,000, while 'Shankh' sold for Rs 95,00,000. S.H. Raza's 'Prakriti' sold for Rs 1,35,00,000.

"The evening threw up a few surprises with works of artists like J.P. Gangooly and L. N. Taskar selling at prices exceeding the higher estimated value. We're happy to see an interest by bidders in such pieces, besides the masters like Husain and Raza," Ashish Anand, Managing Director and CEO, DAG Modern, told IANS.

The auction had a total sale value of Rs 12,99,85,000 with 64.3 per cent of lots sold.

--IANS

ss/sm/vt