M. F. Husain's 'Second Act' Fetches $5.1 Million at Sotheby's Auction

M. F. Husain's Iconic Work Sold

The renowned painting 'Second Act' by M. F. Husain was auctioned for an impressive $5.1 million (around ₹48.25 crore) during the Modern & Contemporary South Asian auction at Sotheby's in New York. This piece is regarded as one of Husain's most important works. The auction catalogue notes that the title references the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Created with Husain's distinctive brushwork, this artwork serves as a poignant, expressionistic portrayal of one of humanity's timeless tales, enriching the artistic canon surrounding Adam and Eve. Painted in 1958, it was first exhibited at Kumar Gallery in New Delhi.

Husain, celebrated as one of India's foremost modern artists, was often referred to as the Picasso of India. His career was marked by both acclaim and controversy, stemming from his artistic obsessions, including his admiration for Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit and the grand scale of his creations. His artworks consistently commanded high prices. Following legal challenges and public backlash regarding his art, he left India in 2006 and passed away in London in 2011. His paintings are highly sought after, and he is frequently described as a 'megastar' in the art market. Estimates suggest that there are between 30,000 to 40,000 pieces of his work in existence.

Among the most notable sales of Husain's paintings is the mural 'Untitled (Gram Yatra)', a 14-foot artwork that sold for a staggering $13.8 million. This mural, depicting rural Indian life, was sold at a Christie’s auction in New York in 2025. Previously, it had been displayed in a Norwegian hospital for over five years, where it was overlooked. Created in 1954, it features 13 vignettes that capture the essence of village life in India, merging traditional folk elements with modernist styles. Nishad Avari, Head of South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie’s, remarked that this piece epitomizes modern South Asian art.

Another significant work, 'Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata 12', was sold for approximately $1.609 million (around ₹15 crore) at Christie’s. This painting is part of a series Husain began in 1971 for the 11th São Paulo Biennial, focusing on the Mahabharata, a Hindu epic that explores the moral complexities of a cosmic civil war. Husain was invited to showcase his work alongside Pablo Picasso at the Biennale, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

Additionally, 'Untitled (Reincarnation)', painted in 1957, was one of Husain's most valuable pieces before being surpassed by 'Gram Yatra', selling for $3.1 million (approximately ₹29 crore). The title reflects the Indian philosophical concept of life, death, and rebirth. The painting features fragmented, cubist-inspired forms and dynamic figures, suggesting multiple moments coexisting, embodying the layered nature of existence. Recurring motifs of horses and abstract human shapes infuse the work with energy and movement, inviting diverse interpretations.

The ongoing demand for Husain's art, coupled with his rich artistic legacy and cultural significance, continues to drive prices to new heights. With no new works being produced, the value of his existing paintings is expected to rise further.