Page 11 - Iconic Masters October2023

Lot No. 1
HOMI J BHABHA
1909-1966
DOVE SONO I BELLI MOMENTI
48 x 40.5 in (121.9 x 102.8 cm)
Oil on canvas
1938

` 10,00,000 - 15,00,000 | $ 11,764 - 17,647

Published: ‘Homi Bhabha As Artist: A Selection of His
Paintings, Drawings, and Sketches’ edited by Jamshed
Bhabha, 1968, Marg Publications, Mumbai, India, on the
cover & plate 4.

Provenance: Property from the Estate of the Late
Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha.

Homi J. Bhabha’s talents surpassed just his work
as a superlative physicist, and ranged from music
to painting. Showcased here is a culmination of his
interests in both art and music which he cultivated at
a young age. As a boy, he was fortunate to receive
art tutoring from instructor Jehangir Lalkaka. He soon
became a recognised artist even before he turned 18,
earning several awards at the Annual Exhibitions of
Bombay Art Society. Bhabha found inspiration in works
by old masters El Greco, Rembrandt, Michelangelo Cover of the
and Leonardo da Vinci, of which El Greco made the publication with the
biggest impression. Early on, he was also exposed to work illustrated.
rich, classical music including that of Mozart, Bach and
Beethoven that would inspire him for years to come.

This is reflected in the presented work titled ‘Dove
sono i belli momenti’, executed in 1938, with influences
from El Greco’s own works. The fantastical figures
are elongated, and are depicted against a dimly lit
backdrop of the garden of Versailles. The surreal work
is also influenced by Mozart’s famed aria - Marriage
of Figaro, reflecting his other passion - music. The
composition sees the Countess sadly reminiscing the
fond memories that have passed.