ART OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD AND INDIA

Lot 129:

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MAQBOOL FIDA HUSAIN (1915-2011) DYNAMIC STALLION, SIGNED HUSAIN LOWER RIGHT

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Start price: £500

Estimated price: £600 - £800

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Description

In Dynamic Stallion, celebrated Indian modernist Maqbool Fida Husain captures the raw power and kinetic energy of a rearing horse using bold black strokes, accented with vibrant red and yellow. The figure of the horse is abstracted yet vigorous, rendered with minimalistic yet forceful brushwork that emphasises motion and spirit over realism. A large red circle dominates the horse’s midsection—possibly symbolic of energy, the sun, or the heart—while splashes of yellow punctuate the form, enhancing its dynamism. The background remains neutral, allowing the vivid figure to stand out starkly. 


Maqbool Fida Husain (1915–2011) was one of India’s most iconic and controversial modern artists. Often referred to as the “Picasso of India, ” Husain was a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group, which sought to break free from colonial and academic traditions in Indian art. His work is known for its bold lines, vibrant colors, and exploration of themes ranging from mythology and history to modern urban life. Horses were a recurring motif in Husain’s oeuvre—symbols of power, freedom, and nobility. His stylistic fusion of Cubism, Expressionism, and Indian aesthetics has left a lasting legacy in contemporary art history.

23 x 15 cm