Indian Artist Bagta's Work Sells for Rs 1 Crore at Bonhams

Image via Art Daily

A recent Bonhams auction witnessed an unexpected bid of a very important, previously unrecorded work by master Indian artist Bagta (1761-1814). Part of the Indian, Himalayan & Southeast Asian Art auction, his remarkable work and cover lot to the sale sold for almost six times its estimate of $30,000 - $50,000 (approx Rs 15 - 25 lakh), eventually claiming $302,500 (approx Rs 1.5 crore).
 
This portrait of the imposing figure of Rawat Gokal Das, one of the Rawats of Devgarh in Rajasthan, celebrating holi with his consorts was consigned by a collector who bought the piece two decades ago for a modest $125 (approx Rs 6,000). Dated 1808 and measuring 16 x 22 inches this work is a rare representation of Bagta's larger scale depiction.
 
Bagta is heralded for his innovative landscapes found in his works of the 'Hunting Trip', also dated 1808, in the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai.