Important Notice

M F Husain's knowledge of India's many religions and mythologies allowed him to refer to diverse sources for inspiration. The present lot is quintessentially Husain, with multi-layered symbolism. Husain subtly explores the effect of juxtaposing different motifs, such as the flower with the lamp: the latter a recurring element in many of his paintings. The elephant assumes a symbolic or mythological role depending on the context, either when... M F Husain's knowledge of India's many religions and mythologies allowed him to refer to diverse sources for inspiration. The present lot is quintessentially Husain, with multi-layered symbolism. Husain subtly explores the effect of juxtaposing different motifs, such as the flower with the lamp: the latter a recurring element in many of his paintings. The elephant assumes a symbolic or mythological role depending on the context, either when concomitant with women, or as the sole subject where the reference is to Ganesha.

The present lot also refers to Gajalakshmi, one of the eight manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi. Traditional iconography shows Gajalakshmi seated on a lotus, flanked by two elephants who pour water over her. She is typically depicted with four arms: her two upper arms holding lotuses, and her two lower arms in a gesture of blessing her devotees with wealth and prosperity. In some paintings, gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, symbolising wealth and prosperity. In this version by Husain, the imagery is pared down, but still recognisable. The central figure holds a flower in her upper left hand, coins flow from her right hand, and an elephant is part of the composition. Whether or not one is familiar with the iconography, Husain's paints each element in his distinct style, creating a painting with a dynamic composition.

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