AstaGuru, India’s premium auction house is set to hold the ‘Iconic Masters’ auction on November 23-24, 2025, celebrating the pioneers who shaped India’s modern artistic identity. The collection features works of ten visionaries: Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, Jamini Roy, K G Subramanyan, F N Souza, K H Ara, M F Husain, Satish Gujral, Krishen Khanna, and Thota Vaikuntam, Each artwork is a representation of India’s artistic evolution, offering collectors an unparalleled opportunity to acquire rare and historically significant pieces.
AstaGuru’s Vision Behind the Auction
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Sharing his enthusiasm about the event, Mr. Manoj Mansukhani, Director, Marketing – AstaGuru Auction House states,” This auction charts a powerful arc of India’s modern art movement. Bringing together seminal works by the country’s most celebrated masters, the catalogue not only reflects the richness and diversity of their creative vocabularies but also highlights their pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Indian art. Their presence in this edition lends the auction both historic depth and cultural gravitas,” he said. He further added, “The auction reaffirms AstaGuru’s commitment to preserving and amplifying India’s artistic heritage, while offering a global stage for seasoned collectors and new patrons alike to engage with the country’s enduring modern art legacy.“
Raja Ravi Varma’s Master Collection
Leading the auction is lot no. 52, estimated to be acquired at INR 15,00,00,000 – 20,00,00,000. An exceptional collection of 45 paper works on 36 sheets by Raja Ravi Varma, each showcasing the artist’s mastery of form, detail, and emotion. Every piece stands out as a unique creation, reflecting his deep understanding of human expression and storytelling. The collection spans a wide range of subjects: from intimate portraits and scenes of everyday village life to still life’s, mythological depictions, and serene representations of nature. Together, these works offer a rare glimpse into Varma’s artistic versatility and his ability to bridge tradition with modern sensibilities. This ensemble not only celebrates his enduring legacy but also highlights the timeless beauty of his vision.
Amrita Sher-Gil’s Tender Portrait of Her Mother
Lot no. 38 titled ‘Portrait of Mother’ by Amrita Sher-Gil is an oil on canvas work, executed in circa 1930. The painting depicts a poised woman figure, her mother, in a deep red dress with a calm expression and complemented by elegant jewellery. Sher-Gil’s use of soft tones and subtle brushwork highlights both intimacy and emotional depth. Amrita was a foundational figure for women artists in the post-independence era. Known for her strong, opinionated, and independent spirit, she inspired many to explore their heritage and identity. This work is estimated to be acquired at INR 10,00,00,000 – 15,00,00,000.
F N Souza’s Confident Muse Inspired by Matisse
Lot no. 65 by F N Souza, titled ‘Untitled (Nude After Henri Matisse)’, is an oil on canvas work executed in 1986. The work depicts a female figure sitting with quiet confidence against a vibrant, decorative backdrop, her gaze steady and self-possessed. The nude is no longer the tormented or transgressive body of Souza’s earlier expressionism; instead, she exudes a poised sensuality and self-awareness, framed by a space that celebrates colour, pattern, and form. This lot is estimated to be acquired at INR 2,50,00,000 – 3,50,00,000.
M F Husain’s Early ‘Warrior’ and His Evolving Vocabulary
Lot no. 5 titled ‘Warrior’ by M F Husain is an oil on canvas work executed in 1951. It is an outstanding work from Husain’s early exploration of form and symbolism, and it informs us about a pivotal stage in his development as a modernist. With a restrained palette of earthy ochres and muted greens featuring his signature horse motif, the composition is rendered in his signature Cubist-inspired style. This lot is estimated to be sold at INR 1,50,00,000 – 2,50,00,000.
Husain’s Dynamic ‘Untitled Horse’ in Acrylic on Fabric
Over the course of his prolific career, M F Husain expanded his creative vocabulary far beyond traditional mediums. It resulted in an oeuvre made of a myriad of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and fabrics. Lot no. 13, ‘Untitled Horse’ is an acrylic on fabric work, set against a deep black background. The composition distils movement into an almost calligraphic gesture with Husain’s trademark bold brushwork. It is estimated to be sold at INR 1,50,00,000 – 2,50,00,000.
Krishen Khanna’s Vibrant ‘Bandwallas (Diptych)’
Estimated to be acquired at INR 2,00,00,000 – 3,00,00,000, lot no. 27 titled ‘Bandwallas (Diptych)’ by Krishen Khanna is an oil on canvas work. This composition showcases the energy of a band in motion. The overlapping forms and mirrored figures suggest movement and harmony, reflecting the collective performance of the band itself. Through these vivid figures, Khanna transforms a fleeting street spectacle into a lasting ode to the music and humanity in India’s everyday life.
F N Souza’s Iconic ‘Head’ Series
Francis Newton Souza’s Head series stands among his most iconic explorations of the human condition. Lot no. 48 titled ‘Head’ is an oil on linen work executed in 1963. The painting is rendered with a profusion of facial features, numerous eye-like apertures, and trunk-like noses scattered across the visage, giving the figure an appearance more extraterrestrial than human. This work is estimated to be acquired at INR 80,00,000 – 1,20,00,000.
Conclusion
The ‘Iconic Masters’ auction by AstaGuru stands as a powerful tribute to the artists who shaped India’s modern art movement. Bringing together rare works by pioneering visionaries, the event offers collectors and admirers a unique chance to engage with the depth, diversity, and legacy of Indian modernism. With masterpieces spanning intimate portraits, bold expressions, and culturally defining narratives, the auction not only celebrates artistic excellence but also reaffirms AstaGuru’s commitment to preserving India’s creative heritage for generations to come.
To view the entire catalog, visit www.astaguru.com
