Rabindranath Tagore illustration set for $150,000 auction?

An illustration by Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) will highlight the sale of the Supratik Bose collection of Indian artefacts at Christie's in New York on September 17.

The work, which carries an estimate of $100,000-150,000, is an illustrated version of Tagore's poem Where the Mind is Without Fear. 

Rabindranath Tagore Christie's
The poem comes from Tagore's Nobel Prize winning book Gitanjali

Tagore was one of India's greatest artists and writers, often referred to as the Shakespeare of Bengal, and the composer of India's national anthem. In 2010, a collection of 12 paintings by him sold for £1.5m ($2.2m) at Sotheby's in London. The record individual price paid for his work is $120,000, achieved by Death Scene in 2008.

The auction also features works by Nandalal Bose (1882-1966), most notably a print titled Bull Handler. Bose led the revival of Indian art after decades of British influence. A black linocut featuring Gandhi walking with a staff, printed by the artist in 1930 to commemorate the anniversary of Gandhi protests against the British salt tax, became the most iconic image of India's nationalist movement.

Bull Handler, which carries an estimate of $30,000-50,000, was commissioned by Gandhi in 1937 for the Indian National Congress meeting in Haripura. Four other posters, also commissioned for the meeting, will feature in the sale.

We have this museum-grade bowl and cutlery items owned by Mahatma Gandhi for sale. For more information from the art and collectibles market please sign up to our free weekly newsletter.

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