In a groundbreaking moment for the art world, Amrita Sher-Gil’s masterpiece, ‘The Story Teller,’ has achieved an astounding ₹61.8 crore at auction, securing its place as the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold globally. This remarkable feat surpasses Sayed Haider Raza’s ‘Gestation,’ which held the previous record.
This extraordinary 1937 oil-on-canvas artwork found its new owner during the Saffronart’s ‘Evening Sale: Modern Art’ event held in New Delhi. The auction featured over 70 exceptional artworks by renowned artists, including MF Husain, VS Gaitonde, Jamini Roy, and FS Souza.
It was only a month ago that Sayed Haider Raza’s ‘Gestation,’ created in 1989 and also an oil-on-canvas painting, was sold for ₹51.75 crore by Pundole’s auction house in Mumbai, marking a historic milestone in the Indian art auction scene.
Dinesh Vazirani, CEO and co-founder of Saffronart, expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled to have achieved multiple artist records at our Evening Sale in New Delhi this September. The record-breaking price achieved for Amrita Sher-Gil’s ‘The Story Teller’ is a significant moment in the Indian art market, a testament to the artist’s remarkable talent and enduring legacy as one of India’s artistic treasures.”
‘The Story Teller,’ recognized as one of the twelve artworks handpicked by Amrita Sher-Gil herself as her most significant creations, is celebrated for its authenticity and profound expressiveness. The central focus of the artist’s work primarily revolves around women, as she found it easiest to connect empathetically with their experiences. The painting was originally showcased at Sher-Gil’s highly successful solo exhibition at Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore, in November 1937.
Amrita Sher-Gil’s portfolio includes other renowned portraits of women such as ‘Three Girls,’ ‘Women on the Charpai,’ ‘Hill Women,’ and ‘Young Girls.’
Born in Budapest, Hungary, on January 30, 1913, to an Indian father and Hungarian mother, Amrita Sher-Gil is widely regarded as one of the most influential avant-garde female artists. She displayed a passion for drawing and watercolor painting from the tender age of five. In 1921, her family relocated to India, settling in Shimla. It was during this period that she refined her observational skills, capturing the essence of her surroundings through meticulous sketches. Tragically, she passed away at the young age of 28 in 1941.
In 1976, the Archaeological Survey of India honored Amrita Sher-Gil as one of India’s nine ‘National Art Treasure’ artists, recognizing her profound contribution to the country’s artistic heritage.
