
Priya Singh
Head of Department
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£10,000 - £15,000
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Head of Department

Cataloguer
Provenance
Property from a private collection, Pakistan.
Chughtai's mastery of ink and watercolour is evident in Untitled (Praying Woman), where the fluidity of his strokes and the subtle interplay of colours create a dreamlike atmosphere. Handmade paper, with its rich texture and organic feel, enhances the ethereal quality of the painting. The choice of medium allows for an exquisite balance between precision and softness, characteristic of Chughtai's technique. The woman, likely inspired by traditional Mughal or Persian depictions of femininity, exudes grace and serenity. Her flowing garment, prayer beads, and delicate features reflect Chughtai's fascination with classical aesthetics. The act of prayer, central to the piece, symbolizes inner peace, faith, and a connection to the divine.
Chughtai's work emerged during a period of significant cultural transformation in South Asia. As an artist working through British colonial rule, the independence of India and subsequent creation of Pakistan, Chughtai's works often served as a bridge between the past and the present. Untitled(Praying Woman) reflects his commitment to preserving and celebrating the artistic traditions of the region while also engaging with modernist sensibilities.
For a similar work sold at Christies see, South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art Online, 12th - 25th March 2025, lot 13.