MAQBOOL FIDA HUSAIN (B. 1915)

"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.