Art 3789

Serial Number: ART2342

Valuation:

Medium:
Oil on canvas

Type:
Figurative

Style:
Abstract

Date:
1972

Size:
95 x 87 cm

Artist:
Maqbool Fida Husain (1915–2011) was a pioneering Indian modernist artist and one of the founding members of the Progressive Artists’ Group. He is known for his bold, expressive style that combines Cubist influences with themes from Indian mythology, history, and folk culture. His work is characterized by dynamic movement, strong outlines, and powerful symbolism, making him one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Indian art.

Status: Display

Description:
The painting depicts a highly dynamic and expressive scene of a chariot moving at speed, drawn in a modernist style with strong emphasis on movement and energy. Three horses dominate the composition, rendered in bold, abstracted forms that highlight rhythm and force rather than realistic detail. Inside the chariot, a simplified warrior figure holds a bow in a tense, action-ready posture, while the surrounding lines and brushstrokes create a powerful sense of momentum and struggle. The figures are intentionally generalized without detailed facial features, making them symbolic representations of conflict or heroism rather than specific characters or a confirmed narrative. In the background, a large red circular form resembling a sun adds a striking visual focal point and a sense of cosmic intensity. The overall palette of deep reds, blues, and earthy tones, combined with thick, energetic brushwork, reinforces the painting’s dramatic, expressive, and movement-driven character.