For Immediate Release August 25, 2011 Contact: Sung-Hee Park Jaime Bernice 212.636.2680 212.636.2680 spark@christies.com jbernice@christies.

com

MF Husain Masterpieces Highlight Christie's Sale of South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art

MAQBOOL FIDA HUSAIN (1915-2011) Sprinkling Horses oil on canvas 43 1/4 x 92 in. (109.9 x 235 cm.) Estimate on Request

New York- Christie's is pleased to announce the Fall sale of South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art, taking place on September 13. The sale will present a magnificent array of works from the 20 th and 21st centuries, featuring works by renowned modernists including Syed Haider Raza, Francis Newton Souza and Tyeb Mehta. Also featured in the sale are several works by the late Maqbool Fida Husain, who passed away in June 2011. As a tribute to the master, Christie's has secured a selection of extremely important masterpieces, including works from the Keehn Family Collection.

Christie's is honored to present property from the Keehn Family Collection, a true gem of Indian art collecting. Thomas and Martha Keehn became involved with the emerging modern Indian art movement after moving to India in 1953. In 1956, the Keehns hosted the most significant exhibition of its time, 8 Painters, held in New Dehli. Several works from this exhibition are being offered in this sale. Highlights from this collection include Husains Yatra (illustrated above, estimate: $300,000-500,000) and Ram Kumars Untitled (Boy and Goat) (estimate: $200,000-300,000). Another work by MF Husain is Untitled (Horses), 1959 (illustrated right, estimate: $120,000-180,000). Through the uninhibited use of impasto in this work, Husain conveys the sense of raw unimpeded power of a herd of wild and untamed horses. MF Husains Untitled (The Three Graces) (estimate: $400,000 750,000) is a monumental painting, looking towards ancient Greek mythology, depicting the three attendants of Eros and Aphrodite: Euphrosyne, Thalia, and Aglaia. Husains choice of these sensuous and immortal women from ancient Greece, a subject frequently depicted by Old Masters, demonstrates his ability to seamlessly meld international influences into his distinctive style. Tyeb Mehtas Untitled (Man vs. Horse) (illustrated left, estimate: $300,000-500,000) is one of the earliest larger scale paintings by the artist from his formative years. Inspired by Picassos Jeune garon au cheval (Boy Leading a Horse), 1906, this work explores the communality of man and animal in powerful Cubist forms. Other highlights in the sale include Imported Plant by Bikash Bhattacharjee (illustrated bottom right, estimate: $80,000-100,000). An excellent example of his oeuvre, Imported Plant from the Times of India Group Collection exhibits the meticulous handling of paint and color imbuing this work with a naturalistic perfection that is remarkably beautiful.

Shibu Natesans Fly the Sky (estimate: $30,000-50,000) conjures dream-like images from fragments of memories of his native South India. This magnificent work depicts two men flying in a bright blue sky full of cumulus clouds as two other men watch in awe. Using different figure sizes in varying proportions, Natesan employs Ren Magrittes technique to make space tangible.

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

FRANCIS NEWTON SOUZA (1924-2002) Townscape oil on canvas 24 x 14 (54 x 37.5 cm.) Painted in 1955 Estimate: $180,000 220,000

SYED HAIDER RAZA (B. 1922) Rencontre oil on canvas 3 39 /8 x 39 3/8 in. (100 x 100 cm.) Painted in 1977 Estimate: $80,000 120,000

RINA BANERJEE (B. 1963) A World Made of Nature Created her Untidy Beauty, Captured her Makers Eye but not Once but Thrice Culture who Played her a Fool, Maimed her Walk and Unsweetened her Magic ink, acrylic and mica on paper 21 x 29 in. (55.3 x 75.7 cm.) Estimate: $12,000-18,000

PRAJAKTA PALAV AHER (B. 1979) Untitled - I (Ganesha on a Train) acrylic on canvas 95 x 77 1/8 in. (241.3 x 196 cm.) Painted in 2007 Estimate: $18,000-25,000

Auction: South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art Viewing: Christies Rockefeller Galleries

September 13 at 10 am September 9-12

About Christies Christies, the world's leading art business had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2011 that totaled 2.0 billion/US$3.2 billion. In 2010 it achieved global auction and private sales of 3.3 billion/US$5.0 billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from US$200 to over US$100 million. Christies has 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Zurich, Dubai and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging and new markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.
*Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyers or sellers credits.

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