New Delhi: In a historic moment for Indian art, Amrita Sher-Gil’s iconic canvas, “The Story Teller,” painted in 1937, has achieved an astonishing milestone. This celebrated artwork made headlines by selling for a staggering Rs 61.8 crore ($7.44 million) on September 16, setting a world record for the highest price ever achieved by an Indian artist.
Amidst the brilliance of over 70 artworks by renowned artists, “The Story Teller” took center stage at Saffronart’s Evening Sale: Modern Art. This sale showcased not only the unparalleled talent of Amrita Sher-Gil but also featured significant pieces by modern masters like V. S. Gaitonde and S. H. Raza, along with early works from luminaries such as Tyeb Mehta, M. F. Husain, F. N. Souza, and Akbar Padamsee.
Breaking the previous record
Before this remarkable sale, the title of the most expensive Indian artwork sold at an auction belonged to S. H. Raza’s “Gestation,” which had garnered ₹51.75 crore. Amrita Sher-Gil’s masterpiece has now eclipsed that record, cementing her status as an artistic luminary.
Significance of ‘The Story Teller’
In the lead-up to the auction, Saffronart emphasized the importance of “The Story Teller” in Sher-Gil’s artistic journey. This masterpiece was created “during an important formative period in the artist’s oeuvre that saw her European and Indian influences merge into a unique artistic language.”
In a departure from her usual style, the artwork was executed “en plein air,” and it prominently features women, a recurring theme in her works. These women are portrayed as a close-knit group, exuding an inherent intimacy within the canvas. This painting represents Sher-Gil’s most sincere and expressive compositions, evident from her own fondness for it, as revealed in her personal letters.
The Story Teller by Amrita Sher Gil sold for a stagger Rs 61.8 crore. (Photo Credit: Google)
A fusion of influences
Art connoisseur Karl Khandalavala noted that “The Story Teller” drew inspiration from Pahari paintings. He observed, “The cows, the women folk, and the setting, though all far removed in technique from those of Basohli miniature, are pregnant with its lyricism and vivid color.”
The remarkable journey of Amrita Sher-Gil
Born in Budapest in 1913 to an Indian Sikh aristocrat father and a Hungarian-Jewish opera singer mother, Amrita Sher-Gil embarked on a remarkable artistic journey. At the age of eight, she relocated to Shimla, India, where her talent flourished. Encouraged by her uncle Ervin Baktay, she honed her unique artistic vocabulary and pursued formal training, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art.
This historic sale of “The Story Teller” not only underscores the immense value of Amrita Sher-Gil’s artistic legacy but also celebrates the enduring power of Indian art on the global stage.