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Modern & Contemporary Indian Paintings

byBid & HammerOffice at Nehru Place, New DelhiStarts from15,000 per lot winning bidView full gallery

Discover important works by Indian masters and contemporary visionaries, all verified for provenance and history, available through our online auction platform.

This is an early work by T. Vaikuntam, a gouache on paper from 1988, titled 'Untitled (Lady)'. Vaikuntam draws inspiration from his rural roots in Telangana, using vibrant, primary hues to depict his subjects with a distinctive theatricality. This piece, from an international collection, was offered for resale for the first time in our no-reserve auction.

Another brilliant piece by T. Vaikuntam from the same 1988 series, 'Untitled (Lady in a Green Background)'. The artist's signature style is evident in the bold colours and the depiction of the rustic woman, complete with traditional adornments. This gouache painting showcases the earthy and vibrant folk themes that permeate his work.

A closer look at the expressive details in T. Vaikuntam's 1988 gouache painting. The artist's use of colour and line work brings the subject to life, capturing the spirit of rural Telangana. This piece was part of a pair offered in one of our exciting no-reserve auctions.

A full view of the captivating gouache on paper by T. Vaikuntam, created in 1988. The artist is renowned for his vivid portrayals of men and women from his native Telangana, and this work is a prime example of his style, featuring lush colours and folk-inspired details.

A detailed crop of a vibrant T. Vaikuntam painting. Notice the intricate details in the woman's attire and the bold use of red and yellow, characteristic of the artist's celebrated style that captures the essence of rural Indian life.

This close-up view highlights the expressive face and traditional jewellery in a painting by T. Vaikuntam. His work is a celebration of the people and culture of Telangana, rendered in his unmistakable and colourful artistic language.

This 1996 oil on canvas is by S. G. Vasudev, a founding member of the Cholamandal Artists' Village. It is part of his famous 'Vriksha' (Tree of Life) series, which symbolically represents themes of sexuality, fertility, and our connection to the past.

A rare and striking work on paper by F. N. Souza from 1983, depicting the Jain statue of Bahubali. Souza captures the massive energy of the 'Mahamastakabhisheka' ceremony in his trademark style, making this a unique piece blending modern art with ancient religious iconography.

Titled 'Gentlemen', this 1967 pen and ink on newspaper by F. N. Souza showcases his powerful and often unsettling style. Souza's violent distortions of the visual world force the viewer to engage with the passions and fears he explores. This piece was previously exhibited at the All India Kalidas Samaroh.

A full view of F. N. Souza's 'Gentlemen', a pen and ink drawing on a collage of newspaper clippings from 1967. The use of newspaper adds a layer of social commentary, grounding the distorted figure in the context of its time.

About Modern & Contemporary Indian Paintings

Every piece we list goes through a rigorous vetting process for provenance and authenticity. Whether you are bidding on a large-format canvas by M.F. Husain or an early gouache by Thota Vaikuntam, you receive complete access to the item’s exhibition history and ownership records, ensuring you bid with full transparency.

We focus on connecting collectors with significant Indian art. Our auctions feature a spectrum of talent, from the raw, aggressive lines of F.N. Souza to the rural vibrance of Thota Vaikuntam. We take pride in the depth of our research. Each lot, whether it is a landmark M.F. Husain or a rare ink drawing, comes with detailed provenance, ensuring you know exactly where a piece has been.

Many of these works appear in our no-reserve sales, giving new collectors a chance to acquire high-quality art at accessible starting prices. Our process is digital and direct. You can inspect high-definition imagery, read condition reports, and place bids from anywhere. If you are looking for specific investment-grade masterpieces or works with exhibition history, we provide the documentation needed for informed decisions. We invite you to explore the archives of modern Indian art and secure pieces that represent a tangible part of our heritage.

India's pioneer multi-category auction houseApproved by the tribe
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Bid & Hammer

Office at Nehru Place, New DelhiStarts from 15,000 per lot winning bid

I started Bid & Hammer out of a personal obsession with the stories objects carry. I do not just want to sell paintings. I want to connect you with art that has history. Whether it is an early Thota Vaikuntam or a powerful F.N. Souza, my goal is to help you find that one piece that speaks to you.

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