Seated Nude
Original drawing on paper • K.H. Ara (Krishnaji Howlaji Ara), member of the Progressive Artists' Group (PAG)
Style & Movement
Indian Modernism; Progressive Artists' Group (PAG)
Medium & Technique
Charcoal or graphite on paper; utilizes bold gestural strokes and heavy chiaroscuro modeling
Creation Period
Circa 1950s - 1960s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 14 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A monochromatic female nude in a seated, crouched position. The composition focuses on the physical mass and volume of the body, characterized by Ara's typical use of deep blacks to create form against negative space. It expresses a sense of quietude and introspection.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible discoloration and paper toning consistent with age
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $8,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $6,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a private collection or an auction specializing in Modern Indian Art. Authenticated via the 'ARA' signature in the lower center/right.
Art Historical Significance
K.H. Ara was a founding member of the Progressive Artists' Group in Bombay (1947). He was the first Indian modernist to focus extensively on the female nude as a subject of pure form, breaking with the academic traditions and the Bengal School.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive block-letter 'ARA' signature near the bottom center. The work exhibits the 'raw' energy and painterly approach to drawing that defined the PAG movement in post-independence India.
Condition Issues
Noticeable yellowing (oxidation) of the paper, minor warping/cockling, and potential light-induced fading of the substrate. Some smudging of the charcoal media may be present under the glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend removal from current acidic backing, deacidification treatment by a professional paper conservator, and re-framing with UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting.
Collector Notes
Name of artis ara