Christie’s third sale in India totalled INR 97,69,90,000 / $14.7million, well above the pre-sale high estimate of INR 75,06,30,000 becoming the highest total for any auction held in India. 95% of the lots sold, in line with the results of the previous annual auctions. Strong bidding was seen across all price points from clients representing four continents - a demonstration of the international demand for this category, reflected in the demand for the top lot this evening. Five bidders, on the telephones and in the room, battled for Untitled, an oil by the modern master Vasudeo S. Gaitonde (1924-2001), painted in 1995 which soared above its pre-sale estimate to sell for INR 29,30,25,000 ($4,416,502), breaking the previous world auction record (INR 23,70,25,000 / $3.7 million) for the artist and for the category set by Christie’s at the inaugural India sale in 2013.

William Robinson, Auctioneer and International Head of World Art, selling Vasudeo S. Gaitonde Untitled painting for INR 29,30,25,000 ($4,416,502), in Mumbai