A long-forgotten masterpiece by legendary Indian painter MF Husain has taken the global art world by storm, setting a new record for Indian artwork at an international auction.

Husain’s sprawling 14-foot-wide mural, Untitled (Gram Yatra), recently fetched an astonishing $13.8 million at a Christie’s auction in New York, nearly doubling the previous Indian record held by Amrita Sher-Gil’s  The Story Teller , which sold for $7.4 million in 2023. The sale not only highlights Husain’s enduring legacy but also signals a new era of recognition for Indian modern art on the global stage.

For nearly 50 years, the painting quietly adorned the walls of a Norwegian hospital, largely unnoticed and undervalued. Its rediscovery has ignited fresh interest in Husain’s work, reinforcing his reputation as a pioneer of Indian modernism. Known for his bold and expressive style, Husain spent his career capturing the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions.

Painted in 1954, Gram Yatra—which translates to “village journey”—predates Husain’s rise to fame. The mural consists of 13 vivid vignettes that showcase the daily lives of Indian villagers, particularly women engaged in everyday activities like cooking, childcare, and farming. The narrative style draws inspiration from India’s miniature painting tradition, where small images come together to weave a larger story. The painting also reflects Husain’s early adoption of a modified cubist style, characterized by strong geometric forms and bold lines.

Art experts believe the piece reveals fascinating influences from Husain’s travels, particularly his 1952 visit to China, where he was introduced to the calligraphic brushwork of renowned artist Xu Beihong. This influence can be seen in the expressive strokes that define Gram Yatra. Additionally, the mural embodies Husain’s deep connection to India’s rural heartland, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy that the true essence of the nation lies in its villages.

The painting’s journey from India to Norway adds to its mystique. Ukrainian doctor Leon Elias Volodarsky, who was in India on a World Health Organization mission, acquired the piece for a mere $295 in 1954. It remained in his collection before being placed in Oslo University Hospital, where it went largely unnoticed for decades. It wasn’t until 2013—two years after Husain’s passing—that Christie’s was alerted to its existence, setting off a series of international exhibitions that culminated in its record-breaking sale.

This landmark auction is expected to have a lasting impact on the Indian art market. Ashish Anand of Delhi Art Gallery believes Husain’s success will elevate the value of his entire body of work, positioning Indian modern art not just as a cultural treasure but also as a formidable financial asset in the global market. With this sale, Husain’s artistic vision has once again proven to be both timeless and invaluable, cementing his place among the greatest modern artists of the 20th century.