Page 87 - AstaGuru Masters Legacy April 2024

Lot No. 17

M F HUSAIN
1915-2011

UNTITLED (HANUMAN)
22 x 15 in (55.8 x 38 cm)
Mixed media on paper
Circa 1970
Signed: Bottom Left

` 10,00,000 - 15,00,000 | $12,195 - 18,293

Provenance: Property from an international
collection. Artwork was acquired by the present
owner directly from the artist.

Since childhood, Husain held a deep affinity for
Hanuman, the beloved character from the Ramayana.
Throughout his illustrious career, he crafted
numerous paintings featuring the devoted monkey
God, among the roughly two hundred artworks
dedicated to the epic as a whole. Fascinated by the
tales of Ram’s loyal devotee, Husain’s creations
exalt Hanuman’s valour, resilience, and unwavering
devotion to Lord Rama. In the late 1960s, Husain
ventured into portraying the Ramayana, marking
the beginning of a series that would later include
depictions inspired by the Mahabharata.

Over the following decade, he persisted in capturing
scenes from the Ramayana, revisiting particular
elements and moments that held personal
significance to him. Through his art, Husain
immortalized the enduring allure of Hanuman and
the timeless narratives of devotion and heroism
found within Hindu mythology.