MF Husain's Hidden Masterpieces Set to Shine at Upcoming Auction**

Twenty-five rare paintings by renowned artist MF Husain, locked away for years due to legal issues, will finally be auctioned, offering insight into his vibrant interpretations of the 20th century.**

After over a decade in obscurity, a collection of twenty-five masterpieces by the late Indian artist MF Husain is poised to hit the auction block, reigniting interest in a narrative that intertwines art, legality, and the vibrant strokes of modern Indian history.

Scheduled for auction on June 12 at Mumbai’s Pundole Art Gallery, these paintings represent Husain's visionary reflections on a century that witnessed immense transformations in technology, culture, and politics. This marks the first time the public will see these works since they were seized in 2008 during a legal entanglement following a businessman’s alleged default on a loan.

“It's amazing to think about the journey these paintings have taken,” remarks Dadiba Pundole, the gallery's director, illustrating how Husain used the very gallery as his studio during the creation of part of this series. Once hailed as the "Picasso of India," Husain's bold themes often elicited both admiration and criticism. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy of works that commands millions in the art market even today.

With an estimated auction value of up to $29 million, the upcoming sale follows closely on the heels of another Husain piece, Untitled (Gram Yatra), which recently made waves at Christie's auction in New York, selling for a staggering $13.8 million. This sale highlighted not only Husain's continued significance in the art world but also the potential financial weight of his works.

Husain's complex relationship with the businessman who acquired the 25 paintings, Guru Swarup Srivastava, began in 2004 as part of a billion-rupee deal, which at that time gathered significant media attention. However, the unfolding of legal issues led to his assets being seized, effectively locking away Husain's works from the world. The Central Bureau of Investigation alleged that Srivastava mismanaged a government-backed loan, a charge he consistently denies.

Recent developments saw a court allowing the sale of the paintings to recover funds lost from the loan, freeing these stunning pieces from their long confinement. The paintings vibrantly depict significant social events and contemporary issues, such as peace, poverty, and disparities in wealth, echoing the tumult of historical conflicts.

Among the works is a thought-provoking piece that offers commentary on dialogue and coexistence among global powers. Another juxtaposes the emblematic Charlie Chaplin against a backdrop of a rocket launch, showcasing disparities in societal priorities and spending.

As these vibrant acrylics finally prepare to meet the eyes of collectors and art lovers, they also serve as a poignant reminder of MF Husain's indelible imprint on contemporary art and the rich tapestry of socio-political commentary interwoven through his work.