Estimate contemporary Indian art

Understanding contemporary Indian art, for a better appraisal

Do you own a work of contemporary Indian art and want to know its value? Whether for a sale, a personal appraisal or as part of an inheritance, it’s essential to understand the true potential of your object. Our contemporary Indian art experts are here to help you evaluate your work free of charge within 48 hours, and to guide you through the process. Whether you wish to sell your work at auction, insure it, or simply discover its value, we can provide you with professional advice.

Estimates and prices of contemporary Indian artworks

Contemporary Indian art, especially paintings, sculptures and installations by renowned artists, is enjoying great success on the international market. Works of art created by artists such as M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza, or Tyeb Mehta have achieved high prices at auction. Here is an overview of recent sales prices for different types of contemporary Indian art.

Price table for contemporary Indian art :

Typology	Low range (€)	Average range (€)	High range (€)
Paintings by M.F. Husain	5 000 – 50 000	100 000 – 300 000	500 000 – 1 000 000+
Works by S.H. Raza (abstractes)	10 000 – 80 000	100 000 – 250 000	1 000 000+
Sculptures by Subodh Gupta	5 000 – 20 000	30 000 – 100 000	200 000 – 500 000+
Bharti Kher facilities	10 000 – 50 000	70 000 – 200 000	300 000 – 600 000+
Works by Tyeb Mehta (figurative)	20 000 – 150 000	200 000 – 500 000	800 000 – 2 000 000+

These estimates are based on recent auction results. It is important to note that the value of a work may vary according to its condition, provenance and current market demand.

Why have your Indian artwork appraised ?

If you own a work of contemporary Indian art, there are several reasons to have it appraised:

Auction: Knowing the value of your work helps you set a fair price, optimizing your chances of success at the auction.
Insurance: In the event of damage or loss, an appraisal enables you to secure your work at the right price.
Inheritance: If you have inherited a work of art, an appraisal may be necessary for inheritance tax purposes or to divide the estate fairly.
Curiosity: You just want to know how much your piece is worth? An estimate will give you a precise idea of its value.

How to appraise your work of Indian art?

Appraising your work is quick and easy. All you have to do is upload photos of the work, together with a brief description, via our online form. Our experts will get back to you within 48 hours with a confidential estimate.

For larger collections or high-value objects, we also offer in-home appraisal services, or you can attend our appraisal days, where you can bring your work for an in-person appraisal.

How to recognize a work of contemporary Indian art?

There are several simple but effective criteria for recognizing a work of contemporary Indian art and assessing its value:

1. Identify the artist and look for his signature

The signature is often a key clue. It is usually placed in a corner of the canvas or on the back of the sculpture.

A work signed by M.F. Husain, for example, is highly sought-after, especially if it depicts his iconic motifs such as horses or mythological figures.
V.S. Gaitonde‘s works, on the other hand, are distinguished by their total abstraction, accompanied by a discreet signature and sometimes a date.

Compare the signature with other certified works by the artist.

2. Look at the style and patterns

Style and subject matter are also clues:

Abstract art: Artists like S.H. Raza or Tyeb Mehta use geometric shapes and simple or complex motifs. For example, a work with a central circle could be a Raza.
Narrative paintings: Scenes inspired by Indian culture and mythology are often created by M.F. Husain.

Example: A painting with geometric shapes and bright colors could be by Raza, while a mythological work is probably by Husain.

3. Check the materials used

Modern sculptures: Subodh Gupta ‘s works often use everyday Indian objects, such as pots and utensils.
Installations: Bharti Kher uses materials such as recycled objects and bindi for his installations.

If the work uses non-traditional materials, it could be the work of a recognized contemporary artist.

4. Pay attention to the creation period

Works created in key periods of an artist’s career are often rarer and therefore more valuable. A work from an artist’s early years will generally be more sought-after.

Example: A Tyeb Mehta painting from the 1960s could be more valuable than a more recent work.

In short, a well-preserved, signed work by a recognized artist will be worth more. For example, a painting by Raza from the 1980s could sell for between €100,000 and €250,000, while a sculpture by Subodh Gupta made from everyday objects could fetch between €30,000 and €100,000.

Important polychrome wood sculpture of Shiva - INDIA - 18th-19th century — Important polychrome wood sculpture of Shiva – INDIA – 18th-19th century

A brief history of contemporary Indian art

Contemporary Indian art emerged in the 20th century, with artists influenced by Western movements yet deeply rooted in Indian culture. Artists such as M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza and Tyeb Mehta were pioneers of this movement. Their work, which blends tradition and modernity, continues to make its mark on international art.

Today, contemporary Indian artworks, particularly those by major artists, are highly sought-after worldwide. Prices can vary considerably, from a few thousand to several million euros, depending on rarity, condition and provenance.

In short, contemporary Indian art, particularly that of great masters such as M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza and Tyeb Mehta, can fetch impressive prices. To determine the value of your work, it’s important to take into account criteria such as the artist, the condition of the work, the provenance, the materials used and the period of creation. Having your work of contemporary Indian art appraised by experts can provide you with an accurate assessment, essential for selling, insuring or simply discovering its true value.