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Ustad Allah Bux (1895-1978) Untitled (Shepherd Girl) image 1
Ustad Allah Bux (1895-1978) Untitled (Shepherd Girl) image 2
Ustad Allah Bux (1895-1978) Untitled (Shepherd Girl) image 3
Ustad Allah Bux (1895-1978) Untitled (Shepherd Girl) image 4
Lot 34

Ustad Allah Bux
(1895-1978)
Untitled (Shepherd Girl)

4 June 2025, 15:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

£25,000 - £35,000

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Ustad Allah Bux (1895-1978)

Untitled (Shepherd Girl)
signed 'Allah Bux 91' lower right
oil on canvas pasted on board
70.1 x 49.2cm (27 5/8 x 19 3/8in).

Footnotes

Provenance
Property from a private collection, London.
Acquired from the artist;
Thence by descent;
Acquired from the above.

Bux's Untitled (Shepherd Girl) is a stunning example of his ability to elevate simple moments of village life into profound artistic expressions. With its graceful composition, emotive presence, and harmonious depiction of nature, the painting stands as a poignant reminder of the beauty and resilience found in rural existence. It is a work that not only captures a fleeting moment but also tells a larger story of tradition, labour, and dignity.

The shepherd girl embodies both grace and quiet resilience. Her posture, with her head slightly tilted, suggests a moment of reflection or observation, as if she is lost whilst gazing directly at the viewer. The long pink kurta drapes around her naturally, enhancing the fluidity of her stance. The staff in her hands, a symbol of her daily responsibilities, reinforces the theme of rural labour and self-sufficiency. Unlike idealised depictions of village women in romanticized pastoral scenes, Bux's shepherd girl exudes a sense of dignity and reality. She is neither overly stylized nor sentimentalized, but rather presented with an authenticity that captures her quiet strength.

One of the most striking aspects of this painting is the way Bux integrates the human figure with the surrounding landscape. The grazing cattle in the background provide a sense of depth and movement, reinforcing the idea of a living, breathing countryside. The artist's brushwork delicately balances softness and precision, rendering the cattle with just enough detail to create realism without overpowering the central figure. The natural setting is painted with a muted yet rich colour palette, emphasizing the warmth of the rural environment.

Additional information

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