SAFFRONART FOUNDATION OF INDIA ART

Saffronart, a prominent international auction house specializing in modern and contemporary Indian fine art, antiquities, design, and jewelry, recently hosted a memorable evening in Mumbai to honor Tyeb Mehta’s centenary and celebrate the auction house’s 25th anniversary. The event served as a testament to Saffronart’s commitment to promoting Indian art and its pivotal role in shaping the country’s art market on both national and international platforms.

Established in 2000, Saffronart has continuously pushed boundaries and embraced innovation to create a transparent and accessible platform for art collecting. As the first Indian auction house to pioneer online auctions and adopt cutting-edge technology, Saffronart has expanded accessibility across geographies, empowering buyers to make informed decisions.

Saffronart, the brainchild of Minal and Dinesh Vazirani, was founded in 2000 with a forward-thinking approach that set it apart from traditional auction houses. By launching as a digital-first platform, Saffronart defied conventional norms at a time when auctions were primarily conducted live, with remote bidders participating via phone or representatives.

The Vaziranis’ innovative vision enabled Saffronart to establish itself as a pioneer in the Indian art market, leveraging technology to create a more transparent and accessible platform for art collectors around the world. This digital-first strategy not only expanded the reach of Indian art but also empowered buyers by providing them with the necessary information and tools to make informed decisions.

The 25th Anniversary Sale, conducted live and online, achieved white glove status with a cumulative total of Rs 245 crores ($28.85 million), setting a new record for the highest-grossing auction of South Asian art. The event offered a diverse range of artworks from prominent artists, including a rare still life by Amrita Sher-Gil, an early bull painting by Tyeb Mehta, a captivating landscape of Udaipur by Edwin Weeks, royal portraits by Raja Ravi Varma, and an iconic “wet saree” painting by Hemendranath Mazumdar.

As Saffronart continues to pave the way in promoting Indian art and celebrating the country’s rich cultural influences, its dedication to excellence and innovation remains unwavering. The success of the 25th Anniversary Sale serves as a testament to Saffronart’s remarkable journey and its enduring impact on the global art landscape.

Dinesh Vazirani, Saffronart CEO and Co-Founder said, “For the 25th Anniversary Sale, we have curated a selection of prominent works traversing India’s art history; from pre-Modernism through to today’s most formidable contemporaries. We are honouring Tyeb Mehta’s birth centenary with two choice lots including his Trussed Bull, 1956, one of the first in his iconic series, and one of his very last pieces dated 2006. These works are provided by the Tyeb Mehta family and bookend his immensely impactful career. Additionally, we have one of Amrita Sher-Gil’s very few still lifes, Still Life with Green Bottles and Apples, 1932.

Most of these rare pieces by Sher-Gil are housed in the NGMA’s permanent collection, meaning private ownership of this work is a scarce opportunity. This curation is a well-rounded representation taking us from Raja Ravi Varma, the beginning of Indian modernism, through Edwin Lord Weeks’ Orientalist depictions, to the best of contemporary art including Subodh Gupta, Bharti Kher and Atul Dodiya, just to name a few. It is a celebration of India’s artists, as well as the landscape’s continually blossoming artistic trajectory, honouring what Saffronart is founded upon.”

Saffronart’s 25th Anniversary Sale was a remarkable event that featured a diverse and extensive collection of over 150 artworks spanning more than a century of India’s rich artistic history. The sale included pieces from some of the most influential artists in the Indian art scene, making it a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The event commenced with “Demystifying Tyeb,” a panel discussion featuring personal anecdotes and insights from Mehta’s children, Himani Mehta Dehlvi and Yusuf Mehta, as well as his mentee and artist, Atul Dodiya. Mortimer Chatterjee elegantly moderated the conversation, providing the perfect opening for the preview of Saffronart’s April flagship sale.

The panel discussion on Tyeb Mehta was a significant event held as part of Saffronart’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, marking both the auction house’s milestone and the centenary year of artist Tyeb Mehta (1925-2009). The panel, titled “Demystifying Tyeb,” took place on March 7, 2025, at the Mumbai preview of Saffronart’s 25th Anniversary auction.

The panel discussion was organized as a collaboration between the Tyeb Mehta Foundation and Saffronart Foundation. It marked the beginning of a year-long celebration honoring Tyeb Mehta’s birth centenary,

The discussion featured personal stories and insights into Tyeb Mehta’s life, offering a more intimate perspective on the legendary artist beyond his celebrated works. The panel provided attendees with “personal stories and morsels of Mehta lifetime treasures” shared by his children.

Himani Mehta Dehlvi (Tyeb Mehta’s daughter and a costume designer):Shared personal anecdotes and insights into her father’s artistic process and philosophy, including his perseverance and dedication to his craft. She emphasized that her father never painted with commerce in mind and remained unaffected by market trends, continuing his disciplined approach to art. Recounted how her father would reflect for extended periods before commencing a painting, emphasizing his thoughtful and deliberate creative process.

Tyeb Mehta (1925-2009) was a pivotal figure in modern Indian art and a key member of the Progressive Artists’ Group. His distinctive style, characterized by bold lines, stark contrasts, and powerful imagery, explored themes of human suffering, violence, and existential crisis. His most iconic works include the “Diagonal Series,” “Falling Figures,” and paintings of Hindu deities like Kali and Durga.

Yusuf Mehta (Tyeb Mehta’s son): Provided further familial perspective on his father’s life and work, potentially sharing additional personal stories and insights from growing up with such a significant artist.

Shared his reflections on Tyeb Mehta’s artistic explorations, including the themes of change and the philosophical questions surrounding reality and artistic depiction.

The panel discussion served as both a tribute to the artist’s centenary and an opportunity for his family to share personal memories and insights that humanized one of India’s greatest modern masters.

The discussion, moderated by Mortimer Chatterjee, allowed for a multifaceted exploration of Tyeb Mehta’s art and its lasting impact, drawing upon the personal recollections of his family and the artistic insights of a younger generation artist who was directly influenced by him.

The panel discussion preceded Saffronart’s historic 25th Anniversary auction, which took place on April 2-3, 2025. The preview showcased rare artworks that spanned India’s art history, from the early days of modernism to the present day. Saffronart’s collaboration with the Tyeb Mehta Foundation and Saffronart Foundation was highlighted during the discussion, with upcoming collaborations between the organizations set to be announced.

Throughout the year, Saffronart’s commitment to its passion for art and dedication to driving change within the industry will be evident through various events and initiatives. As a respected leader in the MICE sector, Saffronart has expanded its gallery presence in London, Delhi and Mumbai, while also managing live auction operations and pursuing new projects.

Saffronart’s enduring success reflects its unwavering commitment to embracing and promoting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped India’s art scene. This commitment has been instrumental in showcasing the works of renowned artists such as Raja Ravi Varma, Bhupen Khakhar, Ganesh Pyne, and Prabhakar Barwe. As the year-long celebration continues, Saffronart will undoubtedly unveil even more captivating events and collaborations in honor of Tyeb Mehta’s centenary and its own 25th anniversary.

The recent 25th Anniversary Sale organized by Saffronart, conducted live and online, achieved white glove status, signifying a 100% sell-through rate, which is a testament to the quality and significance of the artworks featured. The sale generated a remarkable cumulative total of Rs 245 crores ($28.85 million), making it the highest-grossing auction of South Asian art to date.

Tyeb Mehta’s ‘Trussed Bull’ broke the artist’s record, reaching the second-highest value for an Indian artist sold at auction, with a sale price of Rs 61.8 crores ($7.27 million). This work showcased the artist’s unique style and his exploration of the themes of power and vulnerability.

Saffronart’s 25th Anniversary Live Sale recently concluded with astounding success, as a white glove sale with remarkable results fueled by enthusiastic bidding from global collectors. The event provided a fitting platform to recognize the incredible journey that has brought some of the most renowned modern and contemporary Indian artists into the spotlight.

During the Online Sale, five artist records were shattered, with Nalini Malani’s ‘Nursery Tales’ (2008) taking the lead. The artwork sold for Rs 3.36 crores ($395,294) and set a new global auction record for the artist.

The exceptional results from Saffronart’s 25th Anniversary Sale not only highlight the enduring appeal and value of South Asian art but also serve as a testament to the growing influence and significance of contemporary Indian artists on the global art market.

The iconic Amrita Sher-Gil in the realm of Indian art market history, a striking still life by Sher-Gil titled ‘Still Life with Green Bottles and Apples,’ commanded an impressive Rs 24 crores ($2.82 million).

Many lots surpassed their pre-sale estimates, setting new artist records and contributing to the memorable moments of the night. Standout works included those by M F Husain, Manjit Bawa, F N Souza, and Ram Kumar—making it an unforgettable event showcasing the best of Indian art and history.

The 25th Anniversary Sale at Saffronart featured a diverse and extraordinary collection of artworks from renowned artists. Some of the other highlights included:

A rare still life painting by

A captivating landscape of Udaipur by celebrated Orientalist Edwin Weeks, known for his exquisite depictions of India’s architectural and natural beauty.

Royal portraits by the iconic Raja Ravi Varma, celebrated for his fusion of European techniques and Indian sensibilities, as well as his influence on the emergence of Indian modern art.

A poignant painting of a female figure by Hemendranath Mazumdar, a pioneering artist in the Bengal School of Art, known for his unique style and expressive use of color.

F N Souza’s thought-provoking interpretation of the biblical story of the Supper at Emmaus, showcasing his ability to address complex themes with a bold and distinctive approach.

The 25th Anniversary Sale at Saffronart was a testament to the enduring appeal and value of South Asian art, reaffirming Saffronart’s commitment to promoting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped India’s artistic landscape. The event successfully brought together art enthusiasts and collectors, celebrating the achievements and contributions of India’s most significant artists in a memorable and inspiring showcase.

Over the years, Saffronart has continued to embrace its digital roots while also incorporating live auctions and physical events. This fusion of tradition and innovation has allowed the auction house to build a strong international presence and play a pivotal role in shaping India’s art market on a global scale.

Today, Saffronart stands as a testament to the Vaziranis’ visionary approach and unwavering commitment to promoting Indian art and artists. The auction house’s remarkable journey, marked by landmark auctions and successful events, has solidified its position as a premier destination for modern and contemporary Indian fine art, antiquities, design, and jewelry.

The 25th anniversary celebration featured a live band performance that added to the excitement and energy of the event. The band entertained guests with an array of musical genres, creating a lively atmosphere and ensuring that the milestone occasion was truly unforgettable.

As guests gathered to commemorate the significant achievement, the live band served as the perfect accompaniment, reflecting on the past while also looking ahead to the future. Their dynamic performance encapsulated the spirit of the celebration, making it a fitting tribute to the 25-year journey.