Doubting Thomas
Painting on canvas • Maqbool Fida Husain (M.F. Husain)
Style & Movement
Modern Indian Art; Progressive Artists' Group (PAG)
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas with thin glazes and dry brush applications
Creation Period
circa 1978
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 180 x 110 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A modern reinterpretation of the biblical Doubting Thomas narrative. The composition features a central standing Christ figure draped in a white shroud, exposing a wound. Before him, a crouching, balding St. Thomas points upward in inquiry or awe. The figures are rendered with Husain's signature elongated limbs and earthy, sun-drenched palette, emphasizing human vulnerability over divine iconography.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint layer appears stable with vibrant pigmentation and no visible structural damage.
Estimated Market Value
$400,000 - $700,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$350,000 - $550,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or through a major gallery specializing in Indian Modernism (e.g., Pundole or Chemould); often part of private collections in Mumbai or London.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of Husain's thematic exploration of world religions and the human condition. It marks a bridge between Indian traditional folk aesthetics and Western theological narratives, illustrating the syncretic nature of the Progressive Artists' Group.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive sweeping, calligraphic brushwork and a minimal, flat background that pushes the figures toward the viewer, creating a theatrical, monumental effect.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and light craquelure characteristic of late 20th-century oil applications; potential yellowing of varnish if applicable.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning to remove surface grime; archival framing with UV-protective glazing; maintain a stable environment (50% RH, 20°C).