World · India Bureau
Tyeb Mehta's 'Rickshaw Puller' Fetches ₹69.1 Crore at Auction
A significant acrylic canvas by the late master painter has commanded a substantial price at auction, underscoring the enduring appeal of his figurative work. The 2002 painting represents a recurring motif in Mehta's final creative decade.
LSN India ·
An acrylic on canvas titled 'Rickshaw Puller' by renowned Indian artist Tyeb Mehta sold for ₹69.1 crore, reflecting robust demand for the painter's work in the contemporary art market. The work dates from 2002, a period marking the final chapter of Mehta's prolific artistic career.
The painting exemplifies Mehta's continued engagement with the figure of the rickshaw puller, a subject he revisited repeatedly during his later years. The motif held particular resonance for the artist, who explored themes of labour, dignity, and urban life through this recurring subject matter.
Mehta, who passed away in 2009, is recognized as one of India's most significant post-independence artists. His distinctive visual language combined modernist abstraction with figurative elements, establishing him as a pivotal figure in contemporary Indian art. The substantial auction price underscores the continued collector interest in his mature works and their thematic depth.
The sale demonstrates the robust valuation commanded by Mehta's paintings in the secondary market, reflecting both his historical importance and the growing recognition of his contribution to Indian modernism.