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Second Act

1958

"Second Act" by M.F. Husain exemplifies the Indian modernist master's characteristic expressionistic style, rendered in oil on canvas laid on board. The work demonstrates Husain's dynamic approach to figuration and abstraction, with bold gestural marks and vibrant color that reflect his interest in theatrical movement and human narrative. As with much of his oeuvre, the painting showcases his synthesis of Indian artistic traditions with modernist European painting techniques.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Dimensions
Signed: Yes
Spotted At: Auction House · Sotheby's

Notes

Literature: W.G. Archer, Indian Painting Now , exhibition catalogue, The Arts Council of Great Britain, London, 1965, pl. 54 G. Kapur, Husain , Sadanga Publications, Bombay, 1968, illustration p. 13 R. Bartholomew and S. Kapur, Husain , Harry N. Abrams Inc. Publishers, New York, 1971, pl. 59 G. Kapur, 'Maqbool Fida Husain,' Contemporary Indian Artists , Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1978, pl. 46 E. Alkazi, M.F. Husain: The Modern Artist & Tradition , exhibition catalogue, Art Heritage, New Delhi, 1978, illustration p. 14 D. Elliott and E. Alkazi (eds.), India: Myth & Reality: Aspects of Modern Indian Art , exhibition catalogue, Museum of Modern Art, Oxford, 1982, unpaginated [enlisted] Exhibition History: New Delhi, Kumar Gallery, 1958 London, Commonwealth Institute of Arts, Indian Painting Now , 8 January - 7 February 1965 Traveled to Newcastle Upon Tyne, Laing Art Gallery, 20 February - 13 March 1965; Kilmarnock, Dick Institute, 20 March - 10 April 1965; Darlington, Art Gallery, 17 April - 8 May 1965; Cardiff, National Museum of Wales, 15 May - 5 June 1965; Aberdeen, Art Gallery, 12 June - 3 July 1965; Huddersfield, Art Gallery, 10 - 31 July 1965 New Delhi, Triveni Kala Sangam, Shridharani Gallery, circa 1965 New Delhi, Lalit Kala Akademi, Art Heritage Gallery, M.F. Husain: The Modern Artist & Tradition , 1978 Oxford, Museum of Modern Art, India: Myth and Reality: Aspects of Modern Indian Art , 27 June - 8 August 1982 Film S.P. Chowdhury, A Painter of Our Time: Husain , Films Division of India, New Delhi, 1976

🔨 Auction Lot

Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art

March 26, 2026

Estimate: $2,800,000 – $3,500,000

Lot 310