Seated Figure on Red and Green (Possibly of the 'Mahabharata' or 'Krishna' series)
Print or painting on paper • In the style of Maqbool Fida Husain (M.F. Husain)
Style & Movement
Modern Indian Art / Neo-Expressionism; associated with the Progressive Artists' Group of Bombay.
Medium & Technique
Serigraph (silk screen) or gouache on paper; characterized by flat color planes, saturated pigments, and gestural, expressionist outlines.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s–2000s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (estimated), Portrait format
Subject Description
A central, stylized figure rendered in deep blue and black sits atop a broad horizontal band of green, set against a dominant red field. The figure's posture and the blue skin tone are strong iconographic indicators of Krishna or a mythological deity common in Indian modernism. The composition uses bold, non-naturalistic color to evoke emotional and spiritual intensity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the colors appear vibrant with no immediate signs of fading or water damage visible behind the glass.
Estimated Market Value
If an original work: $50,000 - $150,000; if a signed limited edition print: $2,000 - $7,000.
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $100,000 (Widely varying based on medium and authentication)
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a gallery specializing in Indian Modernism or a private collection. No visible labels or stamps are present in the provided image.
Art Historical Significance
Representing the synthesis of traditional Indian motifs with Western Modernist techniques (specifically Fauvist color and Cubist structure). M.F. Husain's work is central to the identity of post-independence Indian art, bridging the gap between folk tradition and international avant-garde trends.
Notable Features
The 'Husain-blue' tone of the figure and the stark, horizon-less color field separation are hallmarks of the artist's mature period.
Condition Issues
Possible minor undulation of the paper support; reflection on the glass suggests it is not museum-grade UV protection, which can lead to light-induced fading over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend un-framing by a professional to check for acidity in the backing board. Re-mount using acid-free materials and UV-protective museum glass. Keep away from direct sunlight.