In yet another first after the Artists Resale Royalty (ARR) Framework was introduced in the auctio n hous e ’ s inaugura l onlin e sale ...
In yet another first after the Artists Resale Royalty (ARR) Framework was introduced in the auction house’s inaugural online sale, now top-quality scientific examinations, such as Technical Photographic Analysis, is to become the norm in the auction house’s due diligence and cataloguing processes from the second auction on February 25.
The
scientific examination is based on studying the physical characteristics of the
painting under different spectra of light. The range is from the visible to the
non-visible part (e.g. Infra-red and ultra violet). Each light source enhances
or allows different features to be highlighted, the outcome is then interpreted based on an understanding of
the medium and technique. Micro and macro images help in highlighting other
aspects of material and technique.
Various
important paintings underwent this examination, including the baselessly
maligned M. F. Husain “Horses playing with the Sun” (Oil on canvas, 1970)
painting. This painting has been examined in detail following listed methods of
imaging and the observations were noted.
“The main findings are consistent with known attributes of the artist – M.F. Husain. There is no under-drawing
or changes in composition. The painting has been executed over a very short
time of one to three sittings. The drawing has been laid with a brown colour
strengthened with black. The background has been filled in with a diluted
colour applied with a brush. The brush strokes in the background can be seen in
IR transmitted light. A medium (oil) rich yellowish-grey colour has been
applied to fill the body area of the horses. Over this, the white stroke has
been applied with a wide brush to provide the modulation. These strokes are
forceful and assured as the wet underlayer does not show in these strokes. In
some areas, the artist has used a palette knife. The black strokes have been
reinforced and the other areas of the painting also filled in. The drying pattern of the paint
layer particularly the black areas suggests that the painting has been executed
at least over a decade or more ago”.
Commenting on the decision to bring science to serve the arts, Neville Tuli, Chief Mentor, said, “deRivaz & Ives’ effort to publicly share in-depth scientific examinations of artworks is a paradigm shift in the learning curve
for the Indian art market. For over a decade the market has refused or been
unable to introduce credible scientific analysis so as to bolster market
confidence in the authenticity
of important artworks by the modern masters. Many uninformed opinions which
gained media traction would have been avoided if even technical photographic
analysis had been introduced
as part of the due diligence methodology and cataloguing processes. Let us now
hope that a new understanding emerges and other institutions also follow this
lead. It is expensive, time-consuming, requiring top quality expertise but well
worth it especially given many collectors now never get to physically examine the artworks in detail for most online sales.”
DeRivaz and Ives held its maiden
Online Auction of Modern Indian Art last weekend which auctioned a respectful Rs
11.86 crores of modern Indian fine arts, with Jehangir Sabavala,
Prabhakar Barwe and F.N. Souza leading the way.
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