Modern & Contemporary Indian Art Private Acquisitions
Secure exclusive, investment-grade masterworks from India’s pioneering artists through our discreet private sales channel.
A unique work by Francis Newton Souza, this oil on canvas is his tribute to Rabindranath Tagore. Souza deviates from his usual style to capture the essence of the Nobel Laureate, incorporating symbolic motifs in a powerful black and white composition.
This rare ink and watercolor work on paper by F.N. Souza depicts the 'Mahamastakabhisheka' of the Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola. Signed and dated '83, it captures the immense energy of the Jain ceremony in Souza's unmistakable style.
'Kali' by Ramkinkar Baij, a powerful watercolor and ink on paper from our archives. This piece showcases the raw energy and expressionism that defined this key figure of the Bengal School of Art.
This monumental acrylic on canvas by M.F. Husain, titled 'Islam', is a landmark in Islamic arts heritage. It incorporates holy verses and cultural motifs like the Buraq and camels, representing a significant work from the master artist.
An expressive work by F.N. Souza, drawn on newspaper, showcasing his signature style of portraiture. The piece, signed and dated '69, uses the text as a textured background, adding another layer to the composition.
'Chhatar Manzil', a watercolour and pen on paper by contemporary artist Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi. This piece captures the architectural splendor of Lucknow, showcasing the artist's skill in rendering heritage subjects with a vintage aesthetic.
The full view of F.N. Souza's 'Tribute to Rabindranath Tagore'. This elongated canvas emphasizes the flowing form of Tagore's beard, which cleverly incorporates other symbolic figures in Souza's complex visual language.
'Sathkanda', another of Phaneendra Nath Chaturvedi's 'Splendours of Lucknow' series. This watercolour and pen on paper beautifully depicts one of Lucknow's historic structures with a delicate, almost ethereal quality.
A close-up detail of the thick impasto texture in M.F. Husain's 'Two Peacocks' painting. This technique adds a sculptural quality to the canvas, enhancing the folk-art feel of the work.
A detail from M.F. Husain's 'Islam' painting, showing the Buraq, a mythological female-headed horse, against a vibrant blue sky with Arabic calligraphy. This highlights the rich symbolism within the artwork.
About Modern & Contemporary Masterpieces
We facilitate the direct, confidential acquisition of rare masterworks outside of the traditional auction cycle. Every painting in this collection comes with full provenance documentation and a technical condition report, ensuring that what you add to your collection is not just an aesthetic addition, but a verified historical asset.
Discreet Acquisition of Masterworks
Unlike our public auctions, private sales offer a quieter route to ownership. This channel is designed for collectors who prioritize confidentiality, speed, and a direct line to significant works by artists such as F.N. Souza, M.F. Husain, and Ramkinkar Baij. We eliminate the noise of competitive bidding, allowing for considered decision-making and a transaction process that respects your privacy.
Why Invest in Provenance
The Indian art market is complex, and we strip away that complexity. Our team handles the due diligence that defines 'Blue-Chip' art. Every piece listed here undergoes a rigorous verification process. We confirm the chain of ownership, authenticate signatures, and provide museum-grade condition reports. When you acquire a work through our private sales, you receive a written dossier explaining its history, ensuring you have the legal and cultural backing required for a serious investment.
The Collection
Our current private holdings focus on the 'Modernist' era. This includes everything from Souza’s powerful, expressionist portraiture to Husain’s monumental canvases that define the aesthetic of mid-20th-century India. We also source rare works by the Bengal School masters, often securing pieces from international estates that rarely reach the Indian market. Whether you are looking for a specific medium like watercolor on paper or a significant oil on canvas, our inventory is curated for quality over quantity.
How to Proceed
If you see a work that resonates, the process is straightforward. Because these are private sales, we do not publish pricing records publicly. Contact us to request the provenance papers and pricing for specific lots. For high-value acquisitions, we can arrange a private viewing at our offices in New Delhi or Bengaluru, allowing you to inspect the work, the impasto texture, and the framing quality in person before finalizing your purchase.
Bid & Hammer
I am Maher Dadha, and at Bid & Hammer, we treat art as living history. My team and I specialize in connecting collectors with significant works that rarely hit the open market, ensuring each transaction remains confidential and every artwork is vetted for authenticity.
Find specific artists and periods
Enter an artist name or style to see if we have similar works available.
More from Private Sales by Bid & Hammer
More services by Bid & Hammer