The auction will take place in the second week of July at Bonhams, enticing collectors and admirers of Gandhi alike.
Rare 1931 Oil Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi Set for London Auction
Rare 1931 Oil Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi Set for London Auction
A historic oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, painted in the UK in 1931, will go under the hammer at Bonhams in July 2023.
The oil portrait of Indian independence figure Mahatma Gandhi is poised for auction next month in London, highlighting its unique historical and cultural value. Painted by British artist Clare Leighton, it is believed to be the sole portrait for which Gandhi posed. The artwork originated during Gandhi’s visit to London for the 1931 Round Table Conference, aiming to seek constitutional reforms and self-governance for India. Leighton's great-nephew emphasized the significance of the painting, hoping it gains wider visibility. Initially held by Leighton until her death, the painting has a noteworthy history, including a 1974 restoration after an alleged attack. Though revered by many, Gandhi's legacy remains complex, and his life was tragically cut short in 1948.
