The painting, originally estimated to sell for between £50,000 and £70,000, realized a final price of £152,800 ($204,648) at Bonhams auction house, highlighting the significance of Gandhi's legacy.
Rare Spiritual Artwork of Gandhi Fetches Over $200,000 at Auction
Rare Spiritual Artwork of Gandhi Fetches Over $200,000 at Auction
A striking oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, painted in 1931, was auctioned for an impressive sum in London.
A remarkable oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, renowned leader of India's independence movement, was sold at a London auction for £152,800 ($204,648), significantly exceeding its initial estimate of £50,000 to £70,000. The artwork, created by British artist Clare Leighton during Gandhi's visit to London in 1931, stands out as potentially the only oil portrait for which Gandhi sat. Bonhams auction house reported that this unique piece embodies Gandhi's essence as he advocated for non-violent resistance against British colonial rule, a philosophy that has inspired many across the globe.
The portrait originated during Gandhi's attendance at the second Round Table conference in London, which aimed to address constitutional reforms and self-governance for India. Bonhams noted that Leighton was among the select few artists permitted access to Gandhi, allowing her the opportunity to meet him multiple times for sketches and painting. After remaining in Leighton's personal collection until her passing in 1989 in the United States, the artwork was inherited by her family. The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, and it is unclear if the painting will be made publicly accessible for viewing.
