Paintings by Indian artists B. Prabha and Maqbool Fida Husain lead the way in Bruneau & Co. auction

CRANSTON, R.I. - Nov. 18, 2021 - PRLog -- Paintings by two renowned Indian artists took top lot honors in Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers' online-only Estate Fine Art & Antique Auction held November 15^th. A work by B. Prabha (1933-2001), titled Indian Women Painting, soared to $38,750, while a Cubist figural watercolor by Maqbool Fida Husain (1915-2011), of a couple on horseback, realized $10,625.

Both artists have appeared in past Bruneau & Co. auctions. In September, an oil on canvas Cubist painting by Husain, depicting a rider on the back of a wild horse, sold for $43,750. In March 2020, an equestrian-themed watercolor on paper by Husain realized $16,250. In that same auction, a figural oil on canvas by B. Prabha, titled Woman with a Pear Basket, brought $11,875.

The B. Prabha painting in the November auction was the expected top lot, but it still sailed past its $15,000-$20,000 estimate to sell to an eager bidder. The work depicted six Indian women with their hair tied back and long limbs, walking through a village, 30 ½ inches by 77 ½ inches. It was signed by Prabha's agent, Nayana Sarmalkar, and came with a certificate of authenticity.

"It's always nice to see an appreciation for a beautiful painting, as the Prabha soared over the estimate and sold to a collector in Illinois," said Kevin Bruneau, Bruneau & Co's president and an auctioneer. The painting was by far the top achieve of the 325+ lots in the auction.

The Husain watercolor depicted a man and woman in bright polychromatic outfits on the back of a white horse. Housed in a 33 inch by 27 inch frame, it sold within estimate. Dubbed "the Picasso of India," Husain started off painting billboard signs in India but quickly developed his own style by blending together folk, tribal, and mythological arts.

The auction featured fine items pulled from prominent estates and collections across New England, to include artwork, decorative arts, collectibles, Asian arts and other objects.

"Internet competition was fierce," said Travis Landry, a Bruneau & Co. auctioneer. "This was a great auction to round out 2021. The last two auctions will be Historic Arms and Militaria and then Comic, Toy, TCG & Sports on December 11^th before the holidays. It was great year for us."

To learn more about Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers and the firm's calendar of upcoming events, visit www.bruneauandco.com.