Bonhams auction house reports that a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, painted in 1931, sold for £152,800 ($204,648) at a recent auction in London, surpassing previous estimates.
Rare 1931 Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi Fetches Over $200,000 at London Auction
Rare 1931 Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi Fetches Over $200,000 at London Auction
A unique oil portrait of the Indian leader, painted during his historic visit to London, sold for significantly more than its estimated value.
In an unprecedented auction event, a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi has been sold for £152,800 ($204,648) at Bonhams in London, far exceeding the estimated value of £50,000-£70,000. The 1931 painting, created by British artist Clare Leighton during Gandhi's visit to London for the second Round Table Conference, is believed to be the only oil portrait of the iconic Indian leader for which he actually sat. Gandhi, revered as the "father of the nation," led a non-violent resistance movement against British colonial rule, inspiring countless individuals with his teachings.
At the time of painting, Gandhi was engaged in discussions around constitutional reforms and self-governance for India. Clare Leighton gained exclusive access to Gandhi's office, allowing her to sketch and paint his likeness multiple times. Following her death in 1989, the painting was passed down through her family until its recent auction. Bonhams has not disclosed the identity of the buyer or any plans for the painting's display.
