Introduction
- Date of Birth
- 1894
- Date of Death
- 17 Jan 1975
- Age
- 81
- Place of Birth
- Lahore, Undivided India | Present-day Pakistan
- State Country of Birth
- Undivided India | Present-day Pakistan
Chronicled Highlights 3
M A R Chughtai was born in 1894 in Lahore, Undivided India | Present-day Pakistan.
In 2021, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Krishna Instructing Arjuna (1935), offered in the South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 22 September 2021 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹1,84,50,650 ($250,000). 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.
In 2007, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Radha And Krishna Playing Holi (1936), offered in the Masterpieces and Museum Quality Series VIII by Osian's, which concluded on 31 January 2007 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹1,68,00,000 ($380,349). 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.
On 08 October 1996, made their debut in the Indian public auction market when A Woman holding a Lotus with a song Bird was presented as Lot in Modern and Contemporary Indian Paintings: One Hundred Years, conducted by Sotheby's in London, UK. This auction marked the artist's first recorded appearance in the public auction market, establishing the earliest chapter of their auction history.
Economics of Art
Record-high lots9
Public Auction Market (1987–2026) | Select Indicators
Annual Auction Sale Turnover
It aggregates all sales across global auction houses into yearly totals.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
The turnover graph highlights periods of strong growth, moments of market correction, and resilience during downturns. Peaks often align with landmark works coming to public auction, while troughs may indicate reduced supply or weaker demand. Over time, the curve illustrates the overall trajectory of M A R Chughtai’s public auction market presence.
Average Sale Price Per Lot
It smooths out fluctuations caused by the quantity of works offered and focuses on the Average Sale Price level per artwork.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
Rising average sale prices indicate growing collector confidence and a stronger willingness to pay higher amounts per work. Assuming the mix of mediums remains relatively stable over time, the proportion of works on paper typically priced lower than works on canvas adds important context to understanding these market movements.
Square Inch Rate Trend
This allows fair comparisons between smaller works and larger canvases.
Analysis reflected in the chart:
The Square Inch Rate shown in the graph combines various medium types such as canvas, paper, board, and others. Historically, works on canvas and board have broadly commanded higher prices compared to works on paper.
Research Centre
Related
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Personalities
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Institutions
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Locations
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Themes
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