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K K Hebbar — featured artwork

Introduction

Date of Birth
15 Jun 1911
Zodiac sign
Gemini
Date of Death
26 Mar 1996
Age
84
Place of Birth
Kattingeri, Karnataka, India
State Country of Birth
Karnataka, India

Exhibitions

  1. 1941

    1. Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata, India
  2. 1945

    1. First one-man show, Mumbai, India
  3. 1947

    1. Bombay Art Society, Mumbai, India
  4. 1949

    1. Paris, France
    2. London, UK
  5. 1953

    1. All India Art Exhibition of Paintings and Sculptures, traveling to USSR, Poland and West Germany
  6. 1956

    1. National Exhibition, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, India
  7. 1957

    1. National Exhibition, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, India
  8. 1958

    1. National Exhibition, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, India
  9. 1961

    1. One-man show, New York, USA
  10. 1963

    1. New York World Fair, New York, USA
  11. 1964

    1. Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy
    2. Sao Paulo Biennale, Sao Paulo, Brazil
    3. Triennale India, New Delhi, India
    4. New York, USA
  12. 1971

    1. Retrospective, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, India
  13. 1973

    1. Drawings and Paintings, All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India

      01 Feb 1973 to 07 Feb 1973

  14. 1974

    1. A Handbook of Painting and Graphics, National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, India
  15. 1978

    1. Hebbar: Drawings and Paintings, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, India

      12 Jan 1978 to 22 Jan 1978

  16. 1980

20 of 68
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). The Art of K.K. Hebbar since 1938, 1980 | Solo Exhibition Invitation | 00859945

Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). The Art of K.K. Hebbar since 1938, 1980 | Solo Exhibition Invitation | 00859945

Chronicled Highlights 201959 – 1997

K K Hebbar was born in 1911 in Kattingeri, Karnataka, India.
1959
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Islamic and Indian ArtLondon · 27 April 1995
In 1995, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Woman Making Chapattis (1959), offered in the Islamic and Indian Art by Sotheby's, which concluded on 27 April 1995 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹2,44,350 ($7,784). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Woman Making Chapattis, 1959 | Painting
Selling price
INR2,44,350
61% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 1,01,180 – 1,51,770
Rate per sq in
INR 224
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
36.2 × 30.1 in (92 × 77 cm)
Lot
250 · So.Lon/27.04.95
1959
Public Auction HighPainting
Saffronart · Evening Sale: Modern ArtNew Delhi · 16 September 2023
In 2023, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Market Place) (1959), offered in the Evening Sale: Modern Art by Saffronart, which concluded on 16 September 2023 at New Delhi, achieving a sale price of ₹2,64,00,000 ($318,072). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Untitled (Market Place), 1959 | Painting
Selling price
INR2,64,00,000
654% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 25,00,000 – 35,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 38,424
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
29.3 × 23.4 in (75 × 60 cm)
Lot
43 · Sa.Del/16.09.23
1962
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Indian Contemporary ArtLondon · 04 June 1997
In 1997, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Gulmohar Tree (1962), offered in the Indian Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 04 June 1997 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹7,40,468 ($20,698). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Gulmohar Tree, 1962 | Painting
Selling price
INR7,40,468
58% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 3,51,210 – 4,68,280
Rate per sq in
INR 464
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
40 × 40 in (102 × 102 cm)
Lot
26 · Ch.Lon/04.06.97
1962
Public Auction HighPainting
Asta Guru · Modern Indian ArtOnline · 16 July 2020
In 2020, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Gold And Red (1962), offered in the Modern Indian Art by Asta Guru, which concluded on 16 July 2020 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹98,43,252 ($130,821.24). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Gold And Red, 1962 | Painting
Selling price
INR98,43,252
228% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 25,00,000 – 30,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 11,186
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
40 × 22 in (102 × 56 cm)
Lot
13 · AG.Onl/16.07.20
1963
Public Auction HighPainting
Osian's · Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary ArtNew Delhi · 01 March 2006
In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Spring) (1963), offered in the Masterpieces & Museum Quality Series VI: With Rare Drawings and Books on Indian Contemporary Art by Osian's, which concluded on 01 March 2006 at New Delhi, achieving a sale price of ₹74,75,000 ($168,546). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Untitled (Spring), 1963 | Painting
Selling price
INR74,75,000
149% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 24,00,000 – 30,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 6,864
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
30 × 36.3 in (76 × 92 cm)
Lot
66 · Os.Del/01.03.06
1967
Public Auction HighPainting
Osian's · Masterpieces and Museum Quality Series: Indian Contemporary ArtMumbai · 02 December 2005
In 2005, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Boats in Sunset (1967), offered in the Masterpieces and Museum Quality Series: Indian Contemporary Art by Osian's, which concluded on 02 December 2005 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹35,65,000 ($77,298.35). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Boats in Sunset, 1967 | Painting
Selling price
INR35,65,000
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 32,00,000 – 40,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 3,141
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
29 × 39.2 in (74 × 100 cm)
Lot
31 · Os.Mum/02.12.05
1967
Public Auction HighPainting
Pundole · The Fine Art SaleMumbai · 18 November 2021
In 2021, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1967), offered in the The Fine Art Sale by Pundole, which concluded on 18 November 2021 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹1,70,00,000 ($229,248.93). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Untitled, 1967 | Painting
Selling price
INR1,70,00,000
467% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 20,00,000 – 30,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 8,901
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
39.8 × 48 in (101 × 122 cm)
Lot
9 · Pu.Mum/18.11.21
1969
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Indian Art: Including Miniatures and Modern PaintingsNew York · 22 March 2007
In 2007, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1969), offered in the Indian Art: Including Miniatures and Modern Paintings by Sotheby's, which concluded on 22 March 2007 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹94,30,560 ($216,000). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Untitled, 1969 | Painting
Selling price
INR94,30,560
170% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 26,19,600 – 34,92,800
Rate per sq in
INR 11,164
Medium
Oil and gouache on canvas
Dimensions
21.5 × 39.4 in (55 × 100 cm)
Lot
80 · So.NeY/22.03.07
1972
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings: One Hundred YearsLondon · 08 October 1996
In 1996, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of The Pathway (1972), offered in the Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings: One Hundred Years by Sotheby's, which concluded on 08 October 1996 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹5,00,760 ($14,064.32). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). The Pathway, 1972 | Painting
Selling price
INR5,00,760
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 3,89,480 – 5,56,400
Rate per sq in
INR 330
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
44.9 × 33.9 in (114 × 86 cm)
Lot
70 · So.Lon/08.10.96
Provenance
The Property of a Lady
1974
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Modern & Contemporary South Asian ArtNew York · 26 March 2026
In 2026, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Ajanta (1974), offered in the Modern & Contemporary South Asian Art by Sotheby's, which concluded on 26 March 2026 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹7,26,51,878.4 ($768,000). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Ajanta, 1974 | Painting
Selling price
INR7,26,51,878
284% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 94,59,880 – 1,89,19,760
Rate per sq in
INR 37,753
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
40 × 48.1 in (102 × 122 cm)
Signature
S/d ‘Hebbar / 74’ lower left
Lot
341 · So.NeY/26.03.26
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist, Bombay, 1975
1976
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings: One Hundred YearsLondon · 08 October 1996
In 1996, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Kaveri (1976), offered in the Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings: One Hundred Years by Sotheby's, which concluded on 08 October 1996 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹5,28,580 ($14,845.67). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Kaveri, 1976 | Painting
Selling price
INR5,28,580
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 3,89,480 – 5,56,400
Rate per sq in
INR 289
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
46.5 × 39.4 in (118 × 100 cm)
Lot
72 · So.Lon/08.10.96
Provenance
The Property of a Lady
1980
Public Auction HighPainting
Asta Guru · Masters LegacyOnline · 30 April 2023
In 2023, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1980), offered in the Masters Legacy by Asta Guru, which concluded on 30 April 2023 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹1,79,24,190 ($219,222.63). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Untitled, 1980 | Painting
Selling price
INR1,79,24,190
348% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 14,764
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
30.2 × 40.2 in (77 × 102 cm)
Lot
25 · AG.Onl/30.04.23
1980
Literary ReferencePainting
Saffronart · Evening SaleNew Delhi · 17 September 2022
The human figure, and human joy and sorrow, occupied an important place in my compositions.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Untitled (Prosperity), 1980 | Painting
Selling price
INR45,60,000
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 40,00,000 – 60,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 5,220
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
38 × 23 in (97 × 58 cm)
Lot
28 · Sa.Del/17.09.22
1983
Literary Reference & Public Auction HighPainting
Saffronart · Winter Online Auction: Modern and Contemporary Indian ArtOnline · 08 December 2005
My works are generated by my intense feeling for my environment. I seek to find myself and follow it to wherever it leads me. Thus continues my voyage in images.

In 2005, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1983), offered in the Winter Online Auction: Modern and Contemporary Indian Art by Saffronart, which concluded on 08 December 2005 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹43,77,780 ($94,491). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Untitled, 1983 | Painting
Selling price
INR43,77,780
46% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 25,00,000 – 30,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 2,816
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
39.5 × 39.4 in (100 × 100 cm)
Lot
1 · Sa.Onl/08.12.05
1987
Public Auction HighPainting
Asta Guru · Masters LegacyMumbai · 28 April 2024
In 2024, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Krishna The Divine Herdsman) (1987), offered in the Masters Legacy by Asta Guru, which concluded on 28 April 2024 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹2,90,37,188 ($354,112). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Untitled (Krishna The Divine Herdsman), 1987 | Painting
Selling price
INR2,90,37,188
263% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 60,00,000 – 80,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 19,633
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
43.5 × 34 in (110 × 86 cm)
Lot
11 · AG.Mum/28.04.24
Provenance
Property from an international collection based in America.
1989
Image 1/2
First Auction Appearance | BOOK.AUCPainting
Sotheby's · The Times of India Auction of Timeless Art (Charity Auction) by Sotheby's of LondonBombay · 26 March 1989
On 26 March 1989, K.K. Hebbar made their debut in the Indian public auction market when Kites was presented as Lot 14 in The Times of India Auction of Timeless Art (Charity Auction) by Sotheby's of London, conducted by Sotheby's in Bombay, India. This auction marked the artist's first recorded appearance in the public auction market, establishing the earliest chapter of their auction history.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Kites, n.d. | Painting
Selling price
INR1,15,000
Estimate
INR 38,000
Medium
Oil on canvas
Lot
14 · So.Bom/26.03.89
1990
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Twentieth Century Indian ArtLondon · 05 October 1999
In 1999, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Spring (1990), offered in the Twentieth Century Indian Art by Christie's, which concluded on 05 October 1999 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹17,40,541 ($39,930). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Spring, 1990 | Painting
Selling price
INR17,40,541
141% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 5,04,505 – 7,20,721
Rate per sq in
INR 718
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
44.9 × 54 in (114 × 137 cm)
Lot
57 · Ch.Lon/05.10.99
1992
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Modern and Contemporary Indian PaintingsNew York · 10 October 1997
In 1997, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of The Big Net (1992), offered in the Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings by Sotheby's, which concluded on 10 October 1997 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹7,91,189 ($21,850). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). The Big Net, 1992 | Painting
Selling price
INR7,91,189
46% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 3,62,100 – 5,43,150
Rate per sq in
INR 410
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
40 × 48.3 in (102 × 123 cm)
Lot
32 · So.NeY/10.10.97
1993
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Indian Contemporary ArtLondon · 04 June 1997
In 1997, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Victim (1993), offered in the Indian Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 04 June 1997 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹5,38,522 ($15,053). This record marked a defining moment in the artist's market history, reflecting both the significance of the artwork and its reception within the broader art world.
Hebbar, K.K. (Artist). Victim, 1993 | Painting
Selling price
INR5,38,522
15% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 3,51,210 – 4,68,280
Rate per sq in
INR 377
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
39.5 × 36.2 in (100 × 92 cm)
Lot
29 · Ch.Lon/04.06.97
1997
Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | So.NeY/10.10.97Auction Catalogue
Sotheby's · Modern and Contemporary Indian PaintingsNew York · 10 October 1997
In 1997, an artwork by K K Hebbar was featured on the cover of Sotheby's: Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings (October 1997, New York), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Sotheby's (Auction House). Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings. 10 October 1997 | Auction Catalogue
Lots offered
154
Lots sold
116 · 75%
Pages
87
Lot
So.NeY/10.10.97

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