Page 128 - Iconic Masters October2023

Lot No. 105

M F HUSAIN
1915-2011

UNTITLED
27 x 40 in (68.6 x 101.6 cm)
Watercolour on paper
1990
Signed & Dated: Bottom Right
` 20,00,000 - 30,00,000 | $ 23,529 - 35,294

Provenance:
Property from an international collection.

In 1980, M F Husain embarked on a visual journey
to capture the essence of ‘Mother Teresa.’ This
series holds a special place in his heart, being
both highly revered and deeply personal. The
artist’s motivation stemmed from a childhood
marked by the loss of his mother, and through
these artworks, he sought to express the
profound influence the saint had on his life
and creative endeavors. Mother Teresa, the
Albanian Roman Catholic nun renowned for
founding the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata
during the 1950s, dedicated her life to serving
the marginalized.

Husain’s portrayal of Mother Teresa in her
iconic extended sari with a blue border
serves as a symbol, capturing the aura that
surrounded her. The artist believed that a mere
depiction of her physical likeness wouldn’t do
justice to her spiritual greatness. Consequently,
he employed a unique approach, omitting her
human presence to emphasize her gracious
and maternal virtues. In this particular body of
work, one cannot help but notice the palpable
joy emanating from the children she holds.
They appear to be liberated from sorrow,
finding solace, belonging, and security in her
caring embrace.