Mahatma Gandhi Oil Portrait Fetches Over $200,000 at Auction

Sat Sep 13 2025 15:44:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi has sold for a staggering amount at auction, surpassing expectations significantly.

The iconic painting, created by Clare Leighton in 1931, was sold for £152,800 ($204,648), far exceeding the estimated range of £50,000-£70,000 set by Bonhams auction house. This piece is believed to be the only oil portrait that Gandhi sat for, and it captures a pivotal moment when he visited London for the second Round Table conference focused on India's self-governance. The artwork remained in Leighton's family until its recent auction, although details on the purchaser and future display remain undisclosed.

In a remarkable auction held in London, a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi has been sold for an impressive £152,800, translating to approximately $204,648. This sale at Bonhams far exceeded initial expectations, which had valued the painting between £50,000 and £70,000. Created in 1931 by British artist Clare Leighton during Gandhi's visit to the UK for a key political conference, this portrait is considered significant as it is believed to be the only oil painting of the renowned Indian leader.

Gandhi, a pivotal figure in the non-violent struggle for Indian independence from British rule, is honored as the "father of the nation" by many in India. Bonhams noted that Leighton was one of the few artists granted access to Gandhi, allowing her multiple sittings to accurately capture his likeness. After Leighton's passing in 1989, the painting remained within her family's collection until now. While the identity of the buyer has not been revealed, it remains uncertain whether the portrait will be publicly displayed in the future.