The Remarkable Sale of M.F. Husain’s "Volodarsky"
The Historic Auction
A painting that hung unassuming at Ullevål hospital for over six decades made headlines worldwide when it sold for an astonishing NOK 122 million recently. The section of the painting, "The Volodarsky Husain," by the renowned artist Maqbool Fida Husain, far exceeded the auction house’s expectations, fetching more than three times the estimated price.
"I t’s the most expensive Indian artwork ever sold," exclaimed art expert Gunnar Krogh-Hansen of Blomqvist, the Norwegian art gallery responsible for overseeing the sale in a Christie’s auction. "It shows how significant the work is to the global audience,” he added.
This unique piece of Indian and Norwegian history once adorned the walls of Ullevål hospital for over 60 years. Searching for its origins reveals an intriguing tale.
The auctioned section of ‘The Volodarsky Husain.’ Photo: Christie’s
The Story Behind the Masterpiece
The artwork was first acquired by a Ukrainian-born doctor, Leon Elias Volodarsky, in 1954. Volodarsky paid a mere NOK 176 for the art but it later fetched 670,000 times that 60 years later. The painting, surrendered to Ullevål after Leon’s death in 1962, became a notable art piece.
Unique paintings or artworks bequeathed to esteemed institutions garner considerable attention and value, but ‘The Volodarsky Husain" in particular is a breakout example.
Potential Future Trends in Art and Healthcare Art Donations
The sale of "The Volodarsky Husain" raises intriguing questions about the future of art and healthcare interplay. Will hospitals increasingly serve as repositories for valuable artworks? Which artists’ works will be highly prized in the future? Let’s delve into these foaming trends.
Art in Healthcare Settings – A Promising Trend
Medical institutions have long been recognized as valuable recipients of art. Artwork in clinics and hospitals provides therapeutic benefits, lowering stress and enhancing patient comfort. But which drives the auction pricing – therapeutic value or non-profit receipt?
An article in the Journal of Public Health found that art enhances hospital environments in numerous ways, from aiding in recovery to fostering a calming atmosphere. Yet, drawings that were donated to hospitals, whether and how much they rise in worth greatly varies. M.F. Husain was a beacon of value; what will the future hold for healthcare art as artists of the future manifest?
Healthcare Art Gone Astray
Hopkins Hospital Baltimore, for starters, has depicted how values manifest when donated art goes beyond rehabilitation. Originally purchased for under $12,000, a 19th-century painting, which hung in its lobby for over 50 years, sells at auction earning $ 4,01,600.
John Constable’s "The Young Wreckers" sold for $4,10,000.
Photo: NYT
Emerging Trends in Valuable Hospital Art
1. Digital Art and NFTs
Digital art collecting and artwork NFTs are gaining ground. Instead of hanging it on a physical wall, precious works can be purchased and displayed.
Striking examples are the digital pieces by Beeple sold through Nifty Gateway. Clinics renewable technology investing in peace of mind along with eye candy will dominate this sector in the future.
"I believe the flow of digital galleries to hospitals will grow. They don’t get stolen or label damaged, and deliver great engagement on screens." opined Njytra Jackson, NYU Albuquerque Curator of Information Technology.
2. Unique or Uniquely Important Collections
Several museums widely highlight the appeal of unique collections in hospitals. Mauritshuis Museum notes:
"Artworks unique in nature, such as Frida Kahlo’s Sputum series depict fascinating insights into subjects’ unique physiology and psychology. Discovering such unique series as photography, art, or literature will continue to enthrall audiences."
Who Knows the Coffee Table?
3. Collaborative Ownership and Art Access Management
Hospitals may begin inheriting shares in artwork ownership, not merely its possession.
Indrea’s program “ArtSecure”, allows collectives to handle donated artwork. ArtSquared + Art.net helped hospitals manage ownership, lend collaborations, and discover donors.*
Recent Data on Art Collections and Value
The following chart consolidates major medical institutions and in-hospital art sales notable
This focus on art donations adds to the build of notable hospital collections and points towards future special interest sales.
| Hospital Name | Art Value | Acquisition Year | Present Status | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ullevål Hospital | $15.0 million | 1954 | Gift, Various Sales | Volodarsky Husain Section |
| Medica Clinic | $20.0 million | 1980 | Limited Ed Exhibit | Major Holdings |
| Vandenville Hospital | $1.2 million | 1969 | Gift, Various Sales | Grey’s Anatomy |
| Virginia Hospital | $ 10.1 million | 1985 | Minor Holdings, Vandalized | Blood-Spattered but Sued Art |
Notable Community Involvement
Did you know? The Hyderabad Allahabad Diabetic centre removing mural highlights importance of community collaboration with art restoration specialists.
Many art collectives have a stronghold in healthcare institutions. Hygeia Health Services cultivates standard norms for community involvement, believes healthcare alignment with section 201.
Beyond auctions and sales
Expect curated walkthroughs, talks, digital displays, and social media involving museums. Christopher Earle, former art critic at Guardian-Lund