In brief
A historic oil portrait of the revered Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi has reached a remarkable price of £152,800 ($204,648) at a recent auction held by Bonhams in London, significantly surpassing its estimated value of £50,000-£70,000.
The 1931 portrait, painted by British artist Clare Leighton during Gandhi's visit to London for the second Round Table Conference, is believed to be the only oil portrait of the leader that he posed for. The event aimed to discuss constitutional reforms and India's aspirations for self-governance, positioning Gandhi as a central figure in the struggle against British colonial rule. Bonhams emphasized the rarity of the painting, noting that Leighton, who passed away in 1989 in the United States, had exclusive access to Gandhi. She was permitted into his office multiple times to both sketch and develop the portrait, offering a unique glimpse into the iconic leader's life. While the new owner remains undisclosed, it remains unclear if the artwork will be publicly displayed, adding a layer of intrigue to this successful auction of historical significance.
