The artwork symbolizes Gandhi's enduring legacy and the impact of his teachings on India and the world.
**Historic Gandhi Portrait Set for London Auction**
**Historic Gandhi Portrait Set for London Auction**
A unique oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi, crafted in 1931, is heading to auction.
A rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, painted in 1931 while he was in the United Kingdom, is scheduled for auction at Bonhams in London next month. Gandhi, a pivotal figure in India's fight for independence through non-violent resistance, is revered as the "father of the nation" by many Indians. This particular painting, created by British artist Clare Leighton, is touted as the only oil portrait of Gandhi for which he actively sat.
Gandhi's trip to London for the second Round Table Conference was momentous, aiming to address India's struggle for self-governance amidst British rule. Caspar Leighton, Clare's great nephew, emphasized the painting's historical and cultural valor, expressing a desire for wider appreciation globally.
Bonhams notes that Leighton was given special access to Gandhi, allowing her to sketch and paint his likeness during their meetings – a rare privilege that made this artwork equally unique. Leighton became acquainted with Gandhi through her partner, a journalist who advocated for India's independence.
Notably, in November 1931, Leighton displayed Gandhi's portraits in an exhibition at London's Albany Galleries. Although Gandhi did not attend, representatives of the Indian delegation, including notable leaders like Sarojini Naidu, were present.
British journalist Winifred Holtby described the portrait poignantly, capturing Gandhi's character: "the little man squats bare-headed, in his blanket, one finger raised... his mouth parted for a word that is almost a smile." Feedback from Gandhi's personal secretary Mahadev Desai affirmed the artwork's likeness, showcasing its authenticity.
The painting's journey has not been without challenges. Reports indicate it was potentially damaged during a knife attack in the 1970s in the US, allegedly by a right-wing Hindu activist, which led to its restoration in 1974.
This upcoming auction presents a rare chance to acquire a piece of history that reflects the complexity of Gandhi's legacy, a man both revered and reviled in different narratives surrounding India's tumultuous past.
