Historic Oil Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi to Hit the Auction Block in London

Bonhams will auction a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, created in the UK during his visit for the Round Table Conference in 1931. The piece, thought to be the only one of its kind that Gandhi sat for, reflects both historical and cultural significance, spanning perceptions from adoration in India to contentious debates about his legacy and impact.

A historic oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the prominent leader of India's independence movement, is set to be auctioned in London next month, following its creation in 1931 during Gandhi's visit for the second Round Table Conference. This gathering aimed to negotiate India's constitutional reforms and aspirations for self-governance under British colonial rule.

The painting, crafted by British artist Clare Leighton, has been described by auction house Bonhams as possibly the only oil portrait of Gandhi for which he actively posed. "This is a painting of unique historic and cultural significance," stated Caspar Leighton, the artist's great-nephew, emphasizing the desire for the artwork to be appreciated more broadly, both in India and internationally.

During his trip to London, Gandhi's participation in the conference drew attention, and the artist, introduced through her partner Henry Noel Brailsford, managed to sketch him on various occasions. The portrait remained in Leighton's family until her passing in 1989, where it was preserved in her collection. The first significant public exhibition of her work, including the portrait, took place in November 1931 at the Albany Galleries in London, attended by various key figures from the Indian delegation.

Over the years, while many paintings and sketches have depicted Gandhi, this particular portrait holds a special historical resonance. It has undergone restoration after sustaining damage reportedly caused by a right-wing Hindu activist in the 1970s in the United States, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding Gandhi’s legacy among some factions in India.

Despite being revered in India as the "father of the nation," Gandhi's political stance has been a source of division. Some right-wing groups perceive his pro-Muslim policies as a betrayal of Hindu interests, a sentiment that tragically culminated in his assassination in 1948 by nationalist extremist Nathuram Godse.

The auction is scheduled for the second week of July at Bonhams, inviting collectors and historians alike to engage with this unique piece of art that symbolizes both the fight for independence in India and the complex, multifaceted nature of Gandhi's legacy.