Significant auction archives and historic collections
A selection of historically significant pieces that have passed through our house, documenting the provenance and narratives of India's finest art and antiques.
From our archives, this is F. N. Souza's 'Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore', an oil on canvas from 1972. In this unique work, Souza deviates from his usual style to recreate the essence of Tagore, incorporating the poet's own subjects and tonal effects in a powerful homage.
A full-length view of Souza's 'Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore'. The elongated canvas emphasizes the flowing beard of Tagore's silhouette, which Souza cleverly fills with other forms reminiscent of Tagore's work, like a nude female form and a bird.
This 'Kali' by Ramkinkar Baij, a watercolour and ink on paper, is from our 2019 auction archives. Baij was a key figure of the Bengal School of Art, and this powerful depiction of the mother goddess was shared to wish our patrons a Happy Diwali and Kali Puja.
Another depiction of 'Kali', this one a pastel on paper by Prokash Karmakar, from our 2008 auction archives. Karmakar's pop art-influenced, surreal style offers a completely different but equally powerful interpretation of the goddess.
'Durga' by Baren Basu, a watercolour on paper from 1989. This piece from our archives was shared to celebrate Maha Ashtami, showcasing a traditional depiction of the goddess by a celebrated artist from Bengal.
This large miniature painting from the Kota School, mid-18th century, depicts a royal 'Dussehra Procession'. From our 2013 Jodhpur Auction at Umaid Bhawan Palace, this gouache on paper shows the king's procession alongside an enactment of the Ramlila.
A hand-coloured woodcut engraving by Thomas Maurice from the early 19th century. From our archives, this piece depicts the seventh avatar of Vishnu, Ramachandra, combating the ten-headed Ravana. It was shared to celebrate Ram Navami.
This significant collection of eight oil paintings on tin-sheet, circa 1850, depicts 'Jesus Christ's Steps to Crucifixion'. Each arched panel shows a different stage of the Via Dolorosa. This important set, from our 2012 auction, is a profound example of 19th-century biblical art in India.
About From Our Archives: Significant Sales & Tributes
Every piece we feature has a documented history that links the artist to its previous owners. Whether it is a 19th-century painting on tin or a mid-century modern canvas, we provide the full provenance. Understanding this background is essential for any collector to fully appreciate the value and narrative of their acquisition.
Our archives serve as a bridge between the past and the present, offering a transparent look at the works that have defined our auction history. We believe that an object's value is deeply tied to its story, which is why our documentation goes beyond simple dimensions and media. We delve into exhibition histories, publication mentions, and the lineage of ownership to ensure each collector understands exactly what they hold.
The Importance of Provenance
Provenance is the backbone of our business. When we handle a work such as F. N. Souza's 'Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore' or a 19th-century Kota School miniature, we look for the narrative thread that connects them. This research often involves identifying the school of art, the era, and the cultural intent of the artist. For instance, our archive includes diverse examples from the Bengal School of Art and traditional miniatures, each highlighting different facets of Indian history.
Accessing Historical Data
Collectors often use these archives to benchmark value or study the evolution of an artist's style. By reviewing past results, you gain insight into the market for specific periods or categories. If you identify a piece in our archives that resonates with your interests, we can provide further details on similar works currently available or those expected in upcoming sales. We invite you to explore these records not just as a record of sales, but as a timeline of India's rich artistic heritage.
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