Artworks Of Picasso, Dali, Matisse And Other Global Icons Set For A Bidding War

Henri Matisse, Pierre Auguste- Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali- some of the most important names in modern art history- are now going to become household names for some as their works are up for auction at the end of this month. Online-only Indian auction house AstaGuru is set to showcase a medley of pieces by these revered global artists between the 28th and 29th of November. 

The Line-up

The main attraction of the auction will be a stunning work by French Impressionist master Pierre Auguste&ndashRenoir, titled 'Baigneuse Assise' or the Seated Bather. The French master known for his landscapes, artful female nudes, and charming portraits created this piece in 1915. William Somerset Maugham's 1962 novel- 'Purely for My Pleasure' featured the painting as its cover art. The artwork will be offered at an estimate of INR 5.5 cr. 

Spanish surrealist artist, Salvador Dali's limited series of 78 custom decks of tarot cards, known as Dali's Universal Tarot, will be offered at approximately INR 28 L.&nbspThe card deck was also featured as a prop in the 1973 James Bond film Live and Let Die. Henri Matisse' 1940 artwork titled 'Femme et Bouquets,' is estimated to be sold at&nbspINR 2.7 cr. 

A Picasso piece executed with coloured wax crayon on paper is estimated to be up for INR 3.9 cr. Works by Robert Indiana, and Marc Chagall will also be up for grabs. 'Beautiful Hours Spin Painting IX' - Damien Hirst's psychedelic composition symbolises life and death- is estimated to be around INR 3.9 cr, with three of his other works from his famous spin series in the line-up. A select Christmas piece by Andy Warhol is being offered at an estimated INR 1.9 cr. This piece is a departure from his famous body of work centred around consumerism culture and was gifted to his friend Christopher Mako in 1983. 

The intent of the Showcase

Through the works of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Fernand L&eacuteger, Bernard Buffet, Marc Chagall, and Salvador Dali, this star-studded collection puts a spotlight on the emergence and impact of modern art towards the mid-twentieth century. The collection also showcases experimentative artworks by leading contemporary artists, including Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Robert Indiana, and Marc Sijan, among others.

Siddanth Shetty, Vice President of business strategy and operations at AstaGuru Auction House, said, "The upcoming auction is a remarkable milestone in AstaGuru's journey. What makes this more special is the fact that it is going to be India's first standalone auction completely devoted to the works of international artists."