Discover Tyeb Mehta: The Visionary Artist Behind the ₹61.8 Crore Masterpiece, Now India’s 2nd Most Expensive Painting

If there’s one artwork that captures both pain and beauty in Indian modern art, it’s Tyeb Mehta’s Trussed Bull. Created in 1956, this oil painting recently made headlines when it sold for ₹61.8 crore at Saffronart’s 25th Anniversary Live Sale in Mumbai on April 2, 2025. This sale ties Trussed Bull with Amrita Sher-Gil’s The Storyteller, which went for the same price in September 2023, making them two of the most valuable Indian artworks sold at auction.

The recent auction was a huge success, totaling ₹217.81 crore, the highest ever for South Asian art. Yet, the record for the most expensive Indian artwork remains with MF Husain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra), which sold for an astonishing ₹118 crore at Christie’s in New York just a month earlier.

Now, let’s dive deeper into what Trussed Bull represents. Mehta’s recurring theme of the trussed bull symbolizes helplessness and the struggle against oppression. He encountered the image after seeing an Egyptian bas-relief in London in 1954. That moment left a lasting impression, transforming into a powerful motif in his art.

Mehta’s life experiences influenced his work. Having lived through the violence of Partition, he witnessed events that left lasting scars. One such memory was of seeing a man killed on the street. These haunting memories of suffering and loss surfaced in his paintings, where figures often appear tormented and tense.

Born in 1925 in Kapadvanj, Gujarat, Mehta was a significant player in the Progressive Artists’ Group, which aimed to redefine Indian art after independence. He evolved from traditional techniques to Modernism, embracing bold colors and moving towards an abstract approach. His celebrated works include the triptych Celebration, which made waves at a Christie’s auction in 2002 when it became the most expensive Indian painting sold internationally at the time.

Mehta’s art was also shaped by his experiences in major cities. London introduced him to the raw expressions of Francis Bacon, New York exposed him to Abstract Expressionism, and Santiniketan deepened his connection to Indian philosophy. His unique style features strong diagonals and powerful imagery. This approach is particularly evident in his Diagonal Series, where figures are split by bold strokes, creating a sense of action frozen in time.

Despite facing personal and societal challenges, Mehta’s work resonated with viewers and collectors alike. His painting Kali made history as the first Indian painting to break the million-dollar benchmark at an auction, solidifying his legacy in global art.

Mehta received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the Padma Bhushan in 2007. Sadly, he passed away on July 2, 2009, but his influence endures. His family and countless artists continue to draw inspiration from his vision and unique artistry.

As we reflect on Tyeb Mehta’s profound impact on art, it’s essential to recognize how his personal history and the socio-political context shaped his work. Today, collectors and art lovers celebrate his legacy, remembering that every painting not only tells a story but also echoes the voices of an entire culture.

For additional insights into the world of art, explore resources from Saffronart and Christie’s.

Source link

TYEB MEHTA, ART, ART AND CULTURE, ART AUCTION, MOST EXPENSIVE PAINTING, EXPLAINER ON ARTIST TYEB MEHTA SIGNATURE STYLE PAINTING