What makes an art auction memorable? Is it the presence of celebrated masters, the rarity of the works on offer, or the stories embedded within each piece? AstaGuru Auction House’s upcoming Collectors’ Choice auction brings all these elements together, presenting a curated selection of artworks that trace the evolution of modern and contemporary Indian art. 

Scheduled for June 22 and 23, the online sale features paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by some of the country’s most influential artists, offering an opportunity to acquire works that have shaped India’s artistic legacy. From Raja Ravi Varma’s pioneering canvases to the modernist visions of MF Husain, FN Souza, J Swaminathan, Ram Kumar, and more, it is Indian art history across generations. A notable highlight of the auction will be a group of 22 sketches by master artist MV Dhurandhar, who is best known for his depiction of colonial-era Indian society. 

Leading the sale is Raja Ravi Varma’s Little Prince of Courage (starting around ₹20Cr). Considered one of the artist’s most striking royal portraits, it captures the young Martanda Bhairava Tondaiman, prince of Pudukkottai, dressed in regal attire. Made with oil on canvas, the painting is made even more fascinating by the prince’s life story. Years later, he gave up his throne to marry Molly Fink, an Australian woman he loved, choosing love over royal duty. Through Ravi Varma’s master strokes, the painting becomes the story of a man who followed his convictions against all odds. 

Sunny Chandiramani, director, Client Relations, AstaGuru Auction House, spoke about how narratives like these shapecollector interest and the value of a work. “For collectors, a work of this quality by Raja Ravi Varma would command extraordinary attention on its own merits. But with such history, it sits at the intersection of great art, lived history, and a human story that feels genuinely moving even more than a century later. That combination is exceptionally rare, and in the market, such rarity is highly coveted and appreciated.”

Another highlight is Savani | Des (Diptych) by MF Husain, painted around 1960. The work draws inspiration from the Indian classical ragas Savani and Des. Through bold colours, flowing forms, and a strong sense of movement, Husain translates the mood and rhythm of music onto canvas. 

“The breadth of the catalogue reflects the richness and many directions Indian art has taken over the last century, offering collectors a meaningful opportunity to engage with works of exceptional quality and significance,” says Manoj Mansukhani, chief marketing officer, AstaGuru.

Occupying an important space is Ganesh Pyne’s The Conversation, painted in 1977. Depicting a mysterious encounter between a skeletal woodcutter and a white bird, the painting invites viewers to think about mortality, remembrance, and hope. 

From the sculptural offerings is Dhanraj Bhagat’s Standing Figure. Created in 1955, the sculpture marks an important turning point in Bhagat’s artistic journey. During this period, he began moving away from traditional realistic forms and developed a simpler, more modern style.

Other highlights include Rameshwar Broota’s Scripted in Time II, a 1995 work that celebrated his Man series. KG Subramanyan’s Figures With Mystical Birds (Diptych) brings together folk influences, mythology, and modernist ideas. Also featuring is Hemendranath Mazumdar’s Saaqi, a striking example of his academic realism, showcasing his skill in depicting the female figure with sensitivity, elegance, and his attention to light and detail. 

“When you bring together works of this calibre and see the response they generate, it tells you something wonderful: that the Indian art market is not just growing, it is maturing. And the best is yet to come,” adds Sunny. 

Collector’s Choice will be conducted online on June 22 and 23. Collectors and art enthusiasts can explore the complete catalogue and register to participate in the auction at astaguru.com