Maqbool Fida Husain (Indian, 1915–2011) Untitled (Mahabharata Series), circa 1990s

Acrylic on canvas 120 × 48 inches (304.8 × 121.9 cm)

This dynamic and expansive composition is a powerful example of M. F. Husain’s distinctive visual language, where myth, movement, and modernity converge. The painting unfolds as a rhythmic narrative populated with animated figures, animals, and symbolic forms, rendered in Husain’s signature bold lines and expressive colour blocks. The sense of motion is relentless, figures stride, gesture, and interact in a continuous flow, creating a dramatic visual cadence across the surface.

Rooted deeply in Indian mythology and cultural memory, Husain’s imagery transcends literal storytelling. Instead, it evokes collective consciousness, celebration, ritual, devotion, and human struggle, through simplified forms and heightened emotion. The vibrant palette and assertive brushwork reflect the artist’s lifelong engagement with speed, spontaneity, and expressive freedom. Human and animal forms coexist seamlessly, reinforcing Husain’s belief in the unity of life and tradition. Widely regarded as the most iconic
figure of Indian modern art, M. F. Husain brought Indian themes onto a global stage with unparalleled confidence. Works of this scale and narrative richness are especially significant within his oeuvre, embodying his ability to merge epic content with modernist expression.

Dubai Estimate: $1,900,000 – $2,600,000 USD

Location of item: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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