Indian painting sells for record P1 billionMUMBAI, India — An Indian oil painting by celebrated 19th century artist Raja Ravi Varma has sold for a record $17.9 million (P1.08 billion) at auction in Mumbai, the highest price ever paid for a modern Indian artwork. The oil on canvas painting was put up for auction on Wednesday, far surpassing its estimated price of $8.6 million-$12.9 million (P519 million-P779 million). "It is... the highest value work by an Indian artist sold at auction globally," Saffronart said. Varma, born in 1848, is known for his use of European technique in the context of Indian narratives. The painting "exemplifies the artist's unparalleled mastery of oil painting and his pioneering naturalistic portrayal of Indian deities that helped define how modern India imagines its sacred narratives," Saffronart said.

Source: Philippine Star April 04, 2026 01:49 UTC