Mahatma Gandhi's rare oil portrait to go under hammer in Bonhams

An oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi is going to be auctioned at Bonhams in July with an estimate of £50,000-£70,000 (Rs 58 lakh to Rs 81 lakh), a TOI report said.

This portrait is believed to be the only painting for which Mahatma Gandhi ever sat, and it is for the very first time that the portrait will be sold at an auction, the report added.

The auction will be held from July 7 to 15. Up until now the portrait remained in British artist Clare Leighton’s collection and was passed down through her family after her death in 1989.

Well known for her wooden engravings, Clare Leighton was introduced to Gandhi in 1931, when he came to London to attend the Second Round Table Conference, the report mentioned.

Leighton, at that time was in a relationship with Henry Noel Brailsford, a political journalist, who was a passionate supporter of Indian Independence.

Brailsford had travelled to India in 1930 and met key Independence figures, the publication added.

Later, he published his book “Rebel India”, met Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and also introduced his partner Leighton to him.

Leighton became one of the very few artists who was admitted to Gandhi’s office, thereby getting the opportunity to sit with him and make his portrait in 1931.

She showcased her portraits at the Albany Galleries in London, in November 1931, the report said.

Mahadev Desai, Gandhi's personal secretary, wrote a letter to Leighton, whose copy is attached to the backing board, reading, “It was such a pleasure to have had you here for many mornings doing Mr Gandhi’s portrait.”

Quoting the artist’s family, the publication added that Gandhi's portrait was allegedly attacked with a knife by a Hindu right-wing activist in 1974 when it was put on public display.

“We have found no documentation to corroborate this, but the painting shows signs of restoration to what appears to be repaired tears in several places. A label attached to the backing board confirms the painting was restored in 1974 by the Lyman Allyn Museum Conservation Laboratory, the catalogue entry stated as per the publication.

Quoting Rhyanon Demery, head of sale, the publication said, “There is nothing comparable to this painting in existence as it was painted in his lifetime and was a painting that he sat for on multiple occasions.”