Important Notice

The present lot embodies some of the most characteristic elements of M F Husain's style: earthy yellows, oranges and browns, and bold reds and greens assimilate with strong lines, clear spatial division and sculpturesque figures, all of which serve to create strong contrasts between the different elements of the painting. The female body-type in Husain's work evolved from his study of ancient Indian sculpture, and his recognisable approach to... The present lot embodies some of the most characteristic elements of M F Husain's style: earthy yellows, oranges and browns, and bold reds and greens assimilate with strong lines, clear spatial division and sculpturesque figures, all of which serve to create strong contrasts between the different elements of the painting. The female body-type in Husain's work evolved from his study of ancient Indian sculpture, and his recognisable approach to the female form first appeared in his work in 1950. To him, the high-breasted, taut forms represented the principle of energy and dynamism. Masks also feature in many of his works as an instrument of transformation, and a bridge between two planes of reality. The use of masks imbues works such as the present lot with ritualistic meaning and suggests the divided nature of human identity. With figures contained within figures, this work is obviously modern, yet at the same time it remains uniquely Indian in nature. Husain's inimitable style resulted in ancient icons taking on new meanings related to modern India.

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