Christie’s roundel
Lot 38 PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE LATE AGA HILALY, AMBASSADOR TO PAKISTAN AND HIGH COMMISSIONER TO INDIA, SWEDEN, UNITED KINGDOM AND UNITED STATES

MAQBOOL FIDA HUSAIN (B. 1915)

Dhoban

Closed23 March 2010

Price Realised

USD 254,500

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MAQBOOL FIDA HUSAIN (B. 1915)
Dhoban
signed 'Husain' and further signed in Urdu (lower right)
oil on canvas
36¾ x 19 in. (93.3 x 48.2 cm.)
Painted in 1963

Acquired directly from the artist; the work has adorned the walls of official diplomatic residences in London and Washington DC
Thence by descent to the present owner

Specialist note

"Husain's women, far from arousing passion, are ascetic without any of the abundant sexuality found in Indian sculptures. It is almost as if he strips the sculptures of all exterior embellishments to arrive at their basic sense of movement." (Y. Dalmia, The Making of Modern Art, The Progressives, New Delhi, 2001, p. 111)

In this work from the early sixties, Husain pays homage to the simple dhoban or laundry woman with the ever present bundle of clothes precariously balanced on her head. It is a celebration of everyday India and in keeping with works from the period, Husain's brushstrokes are bold and utilize a semi-cubist approach.