MUMBAI, India, April 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - An Indian oil painting by celebrated 19th century artist Raja Ravi Varma has sold for a record $17.9 million at auction in Mumbai, the highest price ever paid for a modern Indian artwork. The oil on canvas painting was put up for auction on Wednesday, far surpassing its estimated price of $8.6 million-$12.9 million. "It is... the highest value work by an Indian artist sold at auction globally," Saffronart said. The Times of India newspaper said the painting was bought by industrialist and vaccine tycoon Cyrus Poonawala. The painting "exemplifies the artist's unparalleled mastery of oil painting and his pioneering naturalistic portrayal of Indian deities that helped define how modern India imagines its sacred narratives," Saffronart said.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha April 02, 2026 10:16 UTC