MF Husain's Masterpiece 'Untitled (Benares)' Fetches Rs 15.6 Crore at Saffronart Spring Auction
In a landmark sale that underscores the enduring legacy of Indian modern art, a rare and monumental painting by the late celebrated artist Maqbool Fida Husain has been sold for an impressive Rs 15.6 crore (approximately $1.67 million) at Saffronart's Spring Live and Online Auctions. The artwork, titled 'Untitled (Benares)', represents a vibrant tribute to the timeless spirit of Kashi, blending spirituality with the rhythms of everyday life through Husain's signature bold strokes.
Record-Breaking Sale at Saffronart's Spring Auctions 2026
Saffronart kicked off its Spring Auctions 2026 with a live event in Mumbai and simultaneous online bidding from April 1 to 2, building on the momentum of its successful 25th anniversary year. The auctions featured a meticulously curated selection of pre-modern and modern Indian art, spanning centuries of artistic practice. The sale of Husain's painting emerged as a highlight, contributing to what is expected to be another record-breaking season for the auction house.
According to information on Saffronart's official website, the painting is an acrylic abstract canvas measuring 207 x 397 cm and was sold including the buyer's premium. It was acquired directly from Husain and features his signature on the upper left corner, adding to its provenance and authenticity.
Husain's Profound Connection to Benares
The artwork captures the essence of Benares (Varanasi), a city that left an indelible mark on Husain's artistic vision. After visiting the city, Husain once remarked, "If in 1948 I saw the quintessence of Indian art in Delhi, in Benares I saw the essence of India. At the level of thought, this left a very deep impression."
Saffronart notes that while Husain's modernist vision was influenced by global artistic trends, India remained central to his art. In 'Untitled (Benares)', he traces the rhythms of everyday life at Kashi's famous ghats. The artist first visited the city in the early 1960s with his friend and contemporary, Ram Kumar. They stayed at the house of Shripat Rai, the son of writer Premchand, in Godowlia near Dashashwamedh Ghat, and spent their days exploring the city's narrow, winding streets.
The Eternal Cycle of Life and Death
During his time in Benares, Husain was confronted with the eternal cycle of life and death that played out daily at the teeming ghats. He recalled a poignant experience at Manikarnika Ghat, where he and Kumar sat for hours watching the dead being brought to the Ganga for cremation. "To our dismay, we found ourselves crying at the spectacle," Husain said. "By afternoon, the spirit of revelry to which we had remained oblivious impinged upon our consciousness. Every new body for cremation was accompanied by the sound of shehnai, bringing home the inescapable truth that sadness and suffering were of our own making, while the celebration around was the real Benares. For here the soul was finally freed from the cycle of birth, death and suffering."
Husain further recollected the sight of young, shapely, and beautiful women among the dead, adorned as brides with their feet touching the Ganges. "And strangely, I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom. As if all barriers between life and death were broken down. This could happen only in my country... in a country where even death is beautiful and joyous—a means of recycling. Everything was so unageing and ageless, and death a non-reality, a non-issue." This profound experience is vividly reflected in the painting's composition and emotional depth.
The Art of Valuation: Factors Behind the High Price
Minal Vazirani, President and Co-founder of Saffronart, explained the factors that contributed to the painting's valuation. "Saffronart determines the value of a work through a combination of key factors that guide both pricing and auction estimates," she said. "These include the artist's oeuvre, the significance and quality of the specific work, its provenance and exhibition history, and whether it belongs to an important series or period. Auction estimates are also informed by historic comparables—prices achieved by similar works—which help set expectations and guide collectors."
In the case of 'Untitled (Benares)', several elements played a crucial role. Vazirani highlighted that there is currently strong market demand for works by Husain, especially rare and important pieces. The painting's scale adds to its desirability, while its subject matter—Benares—holds significant cultural and spiritual weight. Together, the work's rarity, scale, subject significance, and the broader demand for Husain's art were instrumental in achieving its notable sale price.
This sale not only celebrates Husain's artistic genius but also reinforces the growing appreciation for Indian modern art on the global stage. As Saffronart continues to showcase masterpieces from India's rich artistic heritage, auctions like these highlight the timeless appeal of works that capture the soul of the nation.
