Unique Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi to Be Auctioned
A rare oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi, believed to be the only portrait he personally posed for, is scheduled for auction in London this July. Created in 1931 by British artist Clare Leighton, the artwork is expected to attract considerable attention from collectors and historians alike.
Details of the Auction
The painting will be auctioned on July 11 at Bonhams auction house in London. It is anticipated to fetch between £50,000 and £70,000 (approximately Rs 58 lakh to Rs 81 lakh). This marks the first time the artwork is being offered at auction.
Historical Significance and Provenance
Clare Leighton painted the portrait during Gandhi’s visit to London in 1931, when he attended the Second Round Table Conference. Leighton, an established British artist and advocate for social causes, was introduced to Gandhi by her friend Henry Noel Brailsford, a political journalist and supporter of Indian independence.
Leighton had rare access to Gandhi’s private office and was permitted to sit with him multiple times to sketch and complete the painting. This unique access makes the portrait an unparalleled and authentic visual record from Gandhi’s lifetime.
Restoration and Exhibition History
The painting was publicly displayed in 1974 but reportedly suffered damage from a knife attack. Although there is no definitive documentation of the incident, the painting shows visible evidence of restoration and mended tears across several areas.
A label on the back confirms it was restored by the Lyman Allyn Museum Conservation Laboratory in 1974. The back of the artwork also features a letter from Mahadev Desai, Gandhi’s personal secretary, dated 1931, which expresses gratitude for Leighton’s efforts in painting the portrait.
Expert Commentary
Rhyanon Demery, Head of Sales at Bonhams, remarked: "There is nothing comparable to this painting in existence, as it was painted during Gandhi's lifetime and is one of the few portraits for which he sat multiple times."
Significance for Collectors and History Enthusiasts
This portrait not only represents an exceptional piece of art but also holds immense historical value, capturing one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Collectors and historians will find it a remarkable acquisition due to its authenticity, provenance, and unique backstory.
As the auction approaches, anticipation builds around this extraordinary piece that bridges art and history.
