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Ramkumar — featured artwork

Introduction

Date of Birth
23 Sep 1924
Zodiac sign
Virgo
Date of Death
14 Apr 2018
Age
93
Place of Birth
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Place of Death
New Delhi, NCT of Delhi, India
State Country of Birth
Himachal Pradesh, India
State Country of Death
NCT of Delhi, India

Exhibitions

  1. 1948

    1. Group Exhibition of Artists in Delhi, at the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India

  2. 1949

    1. Town Hall, New Delhi, India
    2. Exhibition of Paintings at YMCA Hall, Shimla, India Field Marshal Cariappa Inaugurated the exhibition)

  3. 1950

    1. Gallery Barbizon, Paris, France

  4. 1952

    1. Group Exhibition of the 'Delhi Shilpi Chakra', New Delhi, India

  5. 1953

    1. Alliance Francaise, Mumbai, India
    2. Sixtythird Annual Exhibition, Presented by Bombay Art Society, Mumbai, India

  6. 1954

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Inaugurated by Renowned Urdu Poet Josh Malihabadi, New Delhi, India

  7. 1955

    1. Prague, Czechoslovakia

  8. 1956

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Colombo, Sri Lanka

  9. 1957

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Alliance Francaise, New Delhi, India

  10. 1958

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Krakow and Warsaw, Poland
    2. Participates in Group Exhibition at, Graham Gallery, New York, USA
    3. Graphics Exhibition (along with Husain, Tyeb Mehta, Gaitonde), Mumbai, India
    4. Seven Indian Painters in Europe, Gallery One, London, UK
    5. Eight Artists in Delhi, New Delhi, India

  11. 1959

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Kumar Gallery, New Delhi, India
    2. Eight Indian Artists, New York, USA
    3. Sao Paulo Biennale, Brazil

  12. 1960

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Kumar Gallery, New Delhi, India
    2. Wax and Ink Works on Paper, Kumar Gallery, New Delhi, India
    3. 70th Annual Exhibition, Presented by Bombay Art Society, Mumbai, India

  13. 1962

    1. Revel Gallery, New York, USA

  14. 1963

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Kunika-Chemould Art Centre, New Delhi, India

  15. 1964

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Gallery Chemould, Mumbai, India

  16. 1965

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Kunika-Chemould Art Centre, New Delhi, India

  17. 1966

    2. Exhibition of Paintings, Grosvenor Gallery, London, UK

  18. 1967

    1. Exhibition of Paintings with Husain, Geeta Gallery, New Delhi, India
    2. Exhibition of Paintings with Husain in Prague

  19. 1968

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Dhoomimal Gallery, New Delhi, India

  20. 1969

    1. 10 Feb 1969 to 25 Feb 1969

  21. 1970

    1. Indian Painters in Tehran, Presented by Gallery Chemould, at Gallery Negar, Tehran, Iran

  22. 1971

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
    2. Ten Indian Artists, Travelling Exhibition in USA

  23. 1973

    1. Kumar Gallery, New Delhi, India
    2. Contemporary Indian Art, Travelling Exhibition in USA

  24. 1974

    1. 31 Oct 1974 to 19 Nov 1974

    2. Season's Inaugural Show, Presented by Dhoomimal Gallery, New Delhi, India

      30 Sep 1974 to 08 Oct 1974

  25. 1976

    1. Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, India

  26. 1977

    1. Exhibition of Paintings, Chanakya Gallery, New Delhi, India

  27. 1978

    1. Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, India

  28. 1979

    1. Solo exhibition of Paintings, Chanakya Gallery, New Delhi, India

      05 Mar 1979 to 20 Mar 1979

  29. 1980

    1. Retrospective exhibition of works from 1953-80, Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Kolkata, India
    2. Ram Kumar: Recent Paintings (1978–80) and Drawings from the Benares Series (1965–67)—A Retrospective
    3. Recent Paintings & Earlier Drawings, Art Heritage, New Delhi, India
    4. Exhibites Six Oils on Canvas, Sao Paulo Biennale, Brazil
    5. Contemporary Asian Artists, Fukuoka Art Museum, Japan
    6. Exhibition of Paintings, Lima, Peru

  30. 1981

    1. Works on Paper, Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, India

  31. 1982

    1. Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, India

      10 Jan 1982 to 22 Jan 1982

    2. Contemporary Indian Art, Festival of India, Royal Academy of Arts, London, UK
    3. Modern Indian Painting: From the Collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, India

      01 Aug 1982 to 29 Aug 1982

    4. November Collection, Art Heritage, New Delhi, India
    5. Group Show, Art Heritage, New Delhi, India

  32. 1983

    1. Exhibition of Works on Paper, Miskolc, Hungary
    2. Exhibition of paintings, Sarala Art Centre, Chennai, India
    3. Indo-Greek Cultural Festival, Delphi, Greece
    4. Exhibition of Contemporary Paintings and Sculptures, World Punjabi Writers Conference, Rabindra Bhavan Gallery, New Delhi, India

      23 Dec 1983 to 29 Dec 1983

  33. 1984

    1. Ramkumar: A Retrospective, Art Heritage, New Delhi, India
    2. Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, India

  34. 1985

    1. Art Heritage, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, India
    2. Artistes Indiens En France, Centre National des Arts Plastiques, Paris, France

  35. 1986

    1. Retrospective Exhibition, Organised by Pundole Art Gallery, at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
    2. Retrospective exhibition of works from 1953-86, Art Heritage, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi, India
    3. Retrospective Exhibition, Museum of Contemporary Art, Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal, India

  36. 1987

    1. Coups de Coeur, Geneva, Switzerland
    2. Summer Show III, Art Heritage, New Delhi, India

  37. 1988

    1. 02 Jan 1988

    2. 17 Oct 1988 to 26 Oct 1988

    3. Three Indian Artist, Karachi, Pakistan
    4. Diamond Jubilee All India Art Exhibition February 1988, Presented by All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS), New Delhi, India

      13 Feb 1988 to 27 Feb 1988

    5. Festival of India, Takoka Municipal Museum of Art & Meugro Museum of Art, Tokyo, Japan

  38. 1989

    1. Group Show, Art Heritage, New Delhi, India

  39. 1990

    1. Exhibition of works on paper, Centre for Contemporary Art, New Delhi, India
    2. Exhibition of Paintings, Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, India
    3. Centre for Contemporary Art 1989 - 1990, Presented by Centre for Contemporary Art, New Delhi, India
    4. Award Winners National Exhibition of Art 1955 - 1990, Presented by Lalit Kala Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, India
80 of 306
Ramkumar (Artist). Ram Kumar, 1966 | Solo Exhibition Catalogue | 00882612
1 / 7

Ramkumar (Artist). Ram Kumar, 1966 | Solo Exhibition Catalogue | 00882612

Chronicled Highlights 321956 – 2024

Ramkumar was born in 1924 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
1956
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · South Asian Modern and Contemporary ArtNew York · 20 March 2008
In 2008, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Vagabond (1956), offered in the South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 20 March 2008 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹4,68,34,740 ($1,161,000). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Vagabond, 1956 | Painting
Selling price
INR4,68,34,740
94% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 1,61,36,000 – 2,42,04,000
Rate per sq in
INR 41,039
Medium
Oil on board
Dimensions
47.5 × 24 in (121 × 61 cm)
Lot
23 · Ch.NeY/20.03.08
1956
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · The India SaleMumbai · 11 December 2014
In 2014, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Orphans) (1956), offered in the The India Sale by Christie's, which concluded on 11 December 2014 at Mumbai, achieving a sale price of ₹4,82,25,000 ($775,248.01). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Orphans), 1956 | Painting
Selling price
INR4,82,25,000
75% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 2,25,00,000 – 2,75,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 77,410
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
27.5 × 22.6 in (70 × 58 cm)
Lot
67 · Ch.Mum/11.12.14
1957
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Southeast Asian and 20th Century Indian PicturesHong Kong · 06 July 2003
In 2003, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1957), offered in the Southeast Asian and 20th Century Indian Pictures by Christie's, which concluded on 06 July 2003 at Hong Kong, achieving a sale price of ₹42,30,171 ($91,404). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1957 | Painting
Selling price
INR42,30,171
296% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 8,28,412 – 10,69,068
Rate per sq in
INR 4,135
Medium
Oil on board
Dimensions
43.3 × 23.6 in (110 × 60 cm)
Lot
85 · Ch.HoK/06.07.03
1959
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Indian and Southeast Asian Art: Including 20th Century Indian PaintingsNew York · 17 October 2001
In 2001, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1959), offered in the Indian and Southeast Asian Art: Including 20th Century Indian Paintings by Christie's, which concluded on 17 October 2001 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹19,73,589 ($41,125). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1959 | Painting
Selling price
INR19,73,589
106% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 7,19,850 – 9,59,800
Rate per sq in
INR 4,505
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
22.5 × 19.5 in (57 × 50 cm)
Lot
223 · Ch.NeY/17.10.01
1960
Literary ReferencePainting
Saffronart · Summer Online Auction: Modern and Contemporary South Asian ArtOnline · 29 June 2023
My work is now guided by a concern with plastic qualities. I am more deeply involved with form than the content. When one is young and beginning, one’s work is dominated by content, by ideas ‒ but as one grows older, one turns to the language of painting itself. I have grown detached ‒ I want to find the same peace that the mystic found.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Two Figures), 1960 | Painting
Selling price
INR4,89,00,000
20% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 2,44,50,000 – 4,07,50,000
Rate per sq in
INR 77,051
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
31.7 × 20 in (81 × 51 cm)
Lot
30 · Sa.Onl/29.06.23
Research Categories
02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts
1961
Literary ReferencePainting
Osian's · Indian Modern Fine ArtsNew Delhi · 27 February 2019
It is easy to see that Ram Kumar’s variations on the Benares theme would lead to abstraction. During the long phase of the Benares cityscapes there were paintings that one could regard, for all practical purposes, abstract; just as paintings after 1965, though largely abstract, contained shapes and references to the former theme – a suggestion of a door, a bridge, or a wall surface. The movement towards abstraction, inevitable as it might have been, also meant that the preoccupation with form would take precedence over everything else; certainly over content, but also over the sense of pathos that distinguished Ram Kumar’s work.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, early 1960s | Painting
Selling price
INR43,20,000
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 36,00,000 – 54,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 5,892
Medium
Oil on board
Dimensions
17 × 43.1 in (43 × 110 cm)
Lot
26 · Os.Del/27.02.19
1962
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Indian European and Oriental Paintings and Works of ArtNew Delhi · 09 October 1992
In 1992, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Banares (1962), offered in the Indian European and Oriental Paintings and Works of Art by Sotheby's, which concluded on 09 October 1992 at New Delhi, achieving a sale price of ₹49,500 ($1,647). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Banares, 1962 | Painting
Selling price
INR49,500
Below low estimate
Estimate
INR 50,000 – 80,000
Rate per sq in
INR 31.29
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
31.9 × 49.6 in (81 × 126 cm)
Lot
146 · So.Del/09.10.92
1967
Public Auction HighDrawing
Sotheby's · Contemporary Indian Paintings: From The Chester and Davida Herwitz Charitable TrustNew York · 12 June 1995
In 1995, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Self Portrait (1967), offered in the Contemporary Indian Paintings: From The Chester and Davida Herwitz Charitable Trust by Sotheby's, which concluded on 12 June 1995 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹1,26,405 ($4,025). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Self Portrait, 1967 | Drawing
Selling price
INR1,26,405
101% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 31,405 – 62,810
Rate per sq in
INR 211
Medium
Grey wash on paper
Dimensions
27.5 × 21.7 in (70 × 55 cm)
Lot
20 · So.NeY/12.06.95
Provenance
Chester & Davida Herwitz Collection, USA
1967
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Contemporary Indian Paintings: From The Chester and Davida Herwitz Charitable TrustNew York · 12 June 1995
In 1995, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Benares (1967), offered in the Contemporary Indian Paintings: From The Chester and Davida Herwitz Charitable Trust by Sotheby's, which concluded on 12 June 1995 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹1,71,534 ($5,462). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Benares, 1967 | Painting
Selling price
INR1,71,534
37% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 94,215 – 1,25,620
Rate per sq in
INR 128
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
42 × 32 in (107 × 81 cm)
Lot
22 · So.NeY/12.06.95
Provenance
Chester & Davida Herwitz Collection, USA
1968
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Indian and Southeast Asian Art: Including Modern Indian PaintingsNew York · 29 March 2006
In 2006, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Falling Bird (1968), offered in the Indian and Southeast Asian Art: Including Modern Indian Paintings by Sotheby's, which concluded on 29 March 2006 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹2,42,39,856 ($542,400). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Falling Bird, 1968 | Painting
Selling price
INR2,42,39,856
81% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 89,38,000 – 1,34,07,000
Rate per sq in
INR 6,926
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
70 × 50 in (178 × 127 cm)
Lot
47 · So.NeY/29.03.06
1975
Public Auction HighPainting
Saffronart · Modern Indian Art: 12 Contemporary PaintersOnline · 16 May 2001
In 2001, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1975), offered in the Modern Indian Art: 12 Contemporary Painters by Saffronart, which concluded on 16 May 2001 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹7,05,000 ($15,022). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1975 | Painting
Selling price
INR7,05,000
Rate per sq in
INR 388
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
33 × 55 in (84 × 140 cm)
Lot
68 · Sa.Onl/16.05.01
1981
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Indian And Southeast Asian Art: Including Modern And Contemporary Indian ArtNew York · 21 September 2005
In 2005, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (Benares) (1981), offered in the Indian And Southeast Asian Art: Including Modern And Contemporary Indian Art by Christie's, which concluded on 21 September 2005 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹1,69,35,552 ($385,600). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Benares), 1981 | Painting
Selling price
INR1,69,35,552
221% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 35,13,600 – 52,70,400
Rate per sq in
INR 6,850
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
40 × 61.8 in (102 × 157 cm)
Lot
317 · Ch.NeY/21.09.05
1983
Literary ReferencePainting
Osian's · Masterpieces & Museum Quality Indian Modern & Contemporary PaintingsMumbai · 05 December 2002
This journey has left me so restless. I’ll leave tomorrow. I don’t feel like going anywhere else. I’ll have to go upto Guwahati anyway. I’ll stop there for a day and then go straight back to Delhi. It seems as if all my life I was looking only for my happiness, my pleasure, my self-interest… Just went out on the roof of the hotel to look at Kohima. The same moon, stars, lights of Kohima and silence that veers towards man’s destiny. The sound of this silence is in no way less than the screeching noises one hears in Delhi. But this silence seems to warn - it is a delusion, don’t mistake it for peace, whatever noises you may encounter from now on, seek your peace in them. You’ll find it only there.
Ramkumar (Artist). Landscape, 1983 | Painting
Selling price
INR2,86,000
Below low estimate
Estimate
INR 3,00,000 – 4,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 343
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
24.6 × 33.9 in (63 × 86 cm)
Lot
144 · Os.Mum/05.12.02
1987
Image 1/2
First Auction Appearance | BOOK.AUCPainting
Christie's · Contemporary Indian Art (Charity Auction)Mumbai · 20 December 1987
On 20 December 1987, Ramkumar made their debut in the Indian public auction market when Landscape was presented as Lot 15 in Contemporary Indian Art (Charity Auction), conducted by Christie's in Mumbai, India. This auction marked the artist's first recorded appearance in the public auction market, establishing the earliest chapter of their auction history.
Ramkumar (Artist). Landscape, 1987 | Painting
Medium
Oil on canvas
Lot
15 · Ch.Mum/20.12.87
1989
Public Auction HighPainting
Sotheby's · Indian and Southeast Asian Art: Including Modern Indian Paintings from The Wilberding CollectionNew York · 20 September 2005
In 2005, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (1989), offered in the Indian and Southeast Asian Art: Including Modern Indian Paintings from The Wilberding Collection by Sotheby's, which concluded on 20 September 2005 at New York, achieving a sale price of ₹47,42,280 ($108,000). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1989 | Painting
Selling price
INR47,42,280
35% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 26,34,600 – 35,12,800
Rate per sq in
INR 3,017
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
33 × 47.6 in (84 × 121 cm)
Lot
295 · So.NeY/20.09.05
1990
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Twentieth Century Indian ArtLondon · 02 June 1998
In 1998, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Landscape (1990), offered in the Twentieth Century Indian Art by Christie's, which concluded on 02 June 1998 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹2,75,169 ($6,596). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Landscape, 1990 | Painting
Selling price
INR2,75,169
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 2,73,460 – 4,10,190
Rate per sq in
INR 106
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
50 × 52 in (127 × 132 cm)
Lot
72 · Ch.Lon/02.06.98
1993
Retrospective ExhibitionSolo Exhibition Catalogue
Ramkumar · RamkumarVadehra Art Gallery · 12 December 1993
In 1993, Ramkumar A Retrospective marked a major milestone in the exhibition history of Ramkumar, offering a retrospective survey of the artist's artistic production
Ramkumar (Artist). Ramkumar, 1993 | Solo Exhibition Catalogue | 00882622
Research Categories
02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts
1994
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Indian Contemporary Paintings: Islamic Works of Art and Indian, Himalaya and South-East Asian ArtLondon · 16 October 1995
In 1995, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Benaras (1994), offered in the Indian Contemporary Paintings: Islamic Works of Art and Indian, Himalaya and South-East Asian Art by Christie's, which concluded on 16 October 1995 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹1,81,424 ($5,291). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Benaras, 1994 | Painting
Selling price
INR1,81,424
68% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 81,113 – 1,08,150
Rate per sq in
INR 137
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
33 × 40 in (84 × 102 cm)
Lot
4 · Ch.Lon/16.10.95
1994
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 Benares (1994), offered in the Indian Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 04 June 1997 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹2,69,261 ($7,527). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Benares, 1994 | Painting
Selling price
INR2,69,261
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 2,34,140 – 3,51,210
Rate per sq in
INR 95.79
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
40 × 70.3 in (102 × 179 cm)
Lot
79 · Ch.Lon/04.06.97
1994
Retrospective ExhibitionSolo Exhibition Catalogue
Ramkumar · Ram KumarJehangir Art Gallery · 22 February 1994
In 1994, Ram Kumar A Retrospective marked a major milestone in the exhibition history of Ramkumar, offering a retrospective survey of the artist's artistic production
Ramkumar (Artist). Ram Kumar, 1994 | Solo Exhibition Catalogue | 00882623
Research Categories
02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts
1996
Literary ReferencePainting
DeRivaz & Ives · The Progressives & Other Modern MastersOnline · 09 March 2022
Why Banaras and not some place else? It is (sic) that at that point in my life, I happened to visit Banaras and it was all there before me. Perhaps one would see the same scenes in one’s own city and be not movede by them. Visually Banaras is like any other sacred city situated on the banks of a river with temples and ghats and pilgrims. Its uniqueness lies in its age old associations, faith of millions of Hindus. During my several visits to this city, my effort has been to fathom a little of its mysterious depths which I could interpret in my paintings. To achieve even a part of this needed a lot of meditation, long stays and numerous drawing and colour sketches which I have not yet been able to do. I also wonder if what made Banaras paintings so different from all the others was not the experience that went into the making of them.
Ramkumar (Artist). Benaras Series, 1996 | Painting
Selling price
INR62,72,000
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 60,00,000 – 90,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 3,630
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
36 × 48 in (91 × 122 cm)
Lot
19 · De.Onl/09.03.22
1997
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Twentieth Century Indian ArtLondon · 02 June 1998
In 1998, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Benares Landscape (1997), offered in the Twentieth Century Indian Art by Christie's, which concluded on 02 June 1998 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹4,55,995 ($10,931). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Benares Landscape, 1997 | Painting
Selling price
INR4,55,995
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 3,41,825 – 4,78,555
Rate per sq in
INR 178
Medium
Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions
49 × 52.2 in (124 × 133 cm)
Lot
73 · Ch.Lon/02.06.98
2000
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Southeast Asian Pictures and 20th Century Indian PicturesSingapore · 01 April 2001
In 2001, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Banaras (2000), offered in the Southeast Asian Pictures and 20th Century Indian Pictures by Christie's, which concluded on 01 April 2001 at Singapore, achieving a sale price of ₹6,24,857 ($13,397). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Banaras, 2000 | Painting
Selling price
INR6,24,857
12% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 4,19,760 – 5,59,680
Rate per sq in
INR 353
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
42 × 42 in (107 × 107 cm)
Lot
154 · Ch.Sin/01.04.01
2002
Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Sa.Onl/16.05.02Auction Catalogue
Saffronart · Modern Indian PaintingsLondon · 16 May 2002
In 2002, an artwork by Ramkumar was featured on the cover of Saffronart: Modern Indian Paintings (May 2002, London), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Saffronart (Auction House). Modern Indian Paintings. 16 May 2002 | Auction Catalogue
Lots offered
223
Lots sold
111 · 50%
Pages
150
Lot
Sa.Onl/16.05.02
Research Categories3
06Economics of Art & Cultural Industry02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts14India and her Relationship with the World
2004
Public Auction HighPainting
Christie's · Southeast Asian and Modern Indian Paintings: Including Contemporary ArtHong Kong · 29 May 2005
In 2005, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (2004), offered in the Southeast Asian and Modern Indian Paintings: Including Contemporary Art by Christie's, which concluded on 29 May 2005 at Hong Kong, achieving a sale price of ₹43,69,198 ($100,349). 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.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 2004 | Painting
Selling price
INR43,69,198
42% above high estimate
Estimate
INR 22,33,602 – 30,69,570
Rate per sq in
INR 2,175
Medium
Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions
34.3 × 58.7 in (87 × 149 cm)
Lot
112 · Ch.HoK/29.05.05
2008
Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Ch.NeY/20.03.08Auction Catalogue
Christie's · South Asian Modern and Contemporary ArtHong Kong · 20 March 2008
In 2008, an artwork by Ramkumar was featured on the cover of Christie's: South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art (March 2008, Hong Kong), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Christie's (Auction House). South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art. 20 March 2008 | Auction Catalogue
Lots offered
128
Lots sold
110 · 86%
Pages
185
Lot
Ch.NeY/20.03.08
Research Categories3
06Economics of Art & Cultural Industry02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts14India and her Relationship with the World
2008
Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Os.Del/15.07.08Auction Catalogue
Osians · The ABC Series IVLondon · 15 July 2008
In 2008, an artwork by Ramkumar was featured on the cover of Osians: The ABC Series IV (July 2008, London), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Osians (Auction House) and Neville Tuli (Curator). The ABC Series IV. 15 July 2008 | Auction Catalogue
Lots offered
132
Lots sold
89 · 67%
Pages
241
Lot
Os.Del/15.07.08
Research Categories3
06Economics of Art & Cultural Industry02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts14India and her Relationship with the World
2011
Literary ReferencePainting
Osian's · Indian Antiquities, Modern and Contemporary Fine ArtsMumbai · 19 June 2015
The counterpoint between city and landscape has long exercised Ram Kumar: to shuttle between them is to know and traverse the discontinuity between home and world. The city, shored up from riversilt, vulnerable to the river’s sullen tides and periodic floods, would appear to symbolize the life of the householder, trammeled by duties, circumscribed by ritual, susceptible to anxiety. The landscape, on the other hand, with its drifts of ice and sand, suggests the open breadth of the cosmos, where the renouncer may wander at will.
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 2011 | Painting
Selling price
INR22,80,000
Within estimate
Estimate
INR 18,00,000 – 27,00,000
Rate per sq in
INR 2,638
Medium
Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions
24 × 36 in (61 × 91 cm)
Lot
82 · Os.Mum/19.06.15
2012
Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | So.NeY/10.09.12Auction Catalogue
Sotheby's · Modern and Contemporary South Asian ArtMumbai · 10 September 2012
In 2012, an artwork by Ramkumar was featured on the cover of Sotheby's: Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art (September 2012, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Sotheby's (Auction House). Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art. 10 September 2012 | Auction Catalogue
Lots offered
94
Lots sold
54 · 57%
Pages
107
Lot
So.NeY/10.09.12
Research Categories3
06Economics of Art & Cultural Industry02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts14India and her Relationship with the World
2017
Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | AG.Mum/21.12.17Auction Catalogue
Asta Guru · Modern Indian Art (No Reserve Auction)Mumbai · 21 December 2017
In 2017, an artwork by Ramkumar was featured on the cover of Asta Guru: Modern Indian Art (No Reserve Auction) (December 2017, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Asta Guru (Auction House). Modern Indian Art (No Reserve Auction). 21 December 2017 | Auction Catalogue
Lots offered
103
Lots sold
103 · 100%
Lot
AG.Mum/21.12.17
Research Categories3
06Economics of Art & Cultural Industry02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts14India and her Relationship with the World
2019
Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Pr.Onl/25.04.19Auction Catalogue
Prinseps · Modern Art AuctionLondon · 25 April 2019
In 2019, an artwork by Ramkumar was featured on the cover of Prinseps: Modern Art Auction (April 2019, London), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Prinseps (Auction House). Modern Art Auction. 25 April 2019 | Auction Catalogue
Lots offered
39
Lots sold
17 · 44%
Pages
125
Lot
Pr.Onl/25.04.19
Research Categories3
06Economics of Art & Cultural Industry02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts14India and her Relationship with the World
2024
Featured on Auction Catalogue Cover | Pu.Mum/17.10.24Auction Catalogue
Pundole · The Fine Art SaleMumbai · 17 October 2024
In 2024, an artwork by Ramkumar was featured on the cover of Pundole: The Fine Art Sale (October 2024, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Pundole (Auction House). The Fine Art Sale. 17 October 2024 | Auction Catalogue
Lots offered
76
Lots sold
73 · 96%
Pages
174
Lot
Pu.Mum/17.10.24
Research Categories3
06Economics of Art & Cultural Industry02Modern and Contemporary Indian Fine Arts14India and her Relationship with the World

Economics of Art

Public Auction Market (1987–2026) | Select Indicators

  1. Annual Auction Sale Turnover
  2. Average Sale Price Per Lot
  3. Square Inch Rate Trend
Currency

Annual Auction Sale Turnover

This indicator tracks the Total Annual Auction Sales value of Ramkumar’s artworks, beginning in 1987 through to the present.
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 Ramkumar’s public auction market presence.

Average Sale Price Per Lot

This measure calculates the Average Sale Price of all lots by Ramkumar sold each year.
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

The Square Inch Rate normalizes prices by the size of each artwork, showing the average sale value per square inch over time.
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

Ramkumar (Artist), Why Can't I Sleep, 1947, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Why Can't I Sleep, 1947 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Family Group and Figure in Landscape), 1949, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Family Group and Figure in Landscape), 1949 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Dancers), 1949, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Dancers), 1949 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Seated Woman), 1949, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Seated Woman), c. late 1940s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1949, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1949 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Mother and Child, 1950, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Mother and Child, 1950 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Autumn Landscape, 1950, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Autumn Landscape, c.1950 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1950, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, c.1950 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Autumn Landscape, 1950, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Autumn Landscape, c.1950 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Dreamers, 1950, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Dreamers, 1950 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1951, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, circa 1950s | Painting
Shreeram Bohra (Producer), Lachak, 1951, Song-Synopsis Booklet
Bohra, Shreeram (Producer), Lachak, 1951 | Song-Synopsis Booklet
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Standing Figures), 1951, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Standing Figures), c. early 1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (House on a Hill), 1951, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (House on a Hill), c. early 1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Couple), 1951, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Couple), c. early 1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Unemployment, 1953, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Unemployment, 1953 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1953, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1953 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1953, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1953 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Man and Woman Holding Hands), 1953, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Man and Woman Holding Hands), 1953 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Bereavement, 1953, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Bereavement, 1953 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Mother & Child, 1954, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Mother & Child, 1954 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Prisoner, 1954, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Prisoner, 1954 | Painting
Jaya Appasamy (Essayist), Some Contemporary Painters in Delhi, 1954, Essay
Appasamy, Jaya (Essayist). Some Contemporary Painters in Delhi. In Marg. 7(4). September 1954 | Essay | 00668943
Ramkumar (Artist), Mother & Child, 1954, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Mother & Child, 1954 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1954, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1954 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Paris, 1954, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Paris, 1954 | Painting
Ram Kumar (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955, Photographic Still
Kumar, Ram (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955 | Photographic Still
Bimal (Producer), Amanat, 1955, Photographic Still
Bimal (Producer), Amanat, 1955 | Photographic Still
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1955 | Painting
Ram Kumar (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955, Song-Synopsis Booklet
Kumar, Ram (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955 | Song-Synopsis Booklet
Bimal Roy (Producer), Amanat, 1955, Song-Synopsis Booklet
Roy, Bimal (Producer), Amanat, 1955 | Song-Synopsis Booklet
Ram Kumar (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955, Lobby Card
Kumar, Ram (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955 | Lobby Card
Ram Kumar (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955, Lobby Card
Kumar, Ram (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955 | Lobby Card
Ram Kumar (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955, Lobby Card
Kumar, Ram (Producer), Bagdad Ka Chor, 1955 | Lobby Card
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1950s | Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Banaras), 1955, Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Banaras), 1950s | Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1950s | Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist), Dreamers, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Dreamers, 1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1955 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, c.1950s | Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1955 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, c.1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Trio), 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Trio), c.1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, c.1950s | Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, c.1950s | Drawing
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, c.1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, c.1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Two Figures, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Two Figures, c.1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Street Urchins), 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Street Urchins), c.1950s | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Worker's Family, 1955, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Worker's Family, 1955 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1956, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1956 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1956, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1956 | Painting
Raj Kapoor (Producer), Jagte Raho, 1956, Advertisement
Kapoor, Raj (Producer), Jagte Raho, 1956 | Advertisement
Ramkumar (Artist), Woman, 1956, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Woman, 1956 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled (Orphans), 1956, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled (Orphans), 1956 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1956, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1956 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1956, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1956 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Vagabond, 1956, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Vagabond, 1956 | Painting
Ramkumar (Artist), Untitled, 1956, Painting
Ramkumar (Artist). Untitled, 1956 | Painting
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