In 2022, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Henry VIII (2006), offered in the Present Future by Asta Guru, which concluded on 11 February 2022 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹88,74,458 ($117,769.92). 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.
Introduction
- Date of Birth
- 1974
- Place of Birth
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- State Country of Birth
- West Bengal, India
Chronicled Highlights 62006 – 2023
Raqib Shaw was born in 1974 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
In 2013, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Untitled (2007), offered in the Contemporary Art: Day Auction by Sotheby's, which concluded on 27 June 2013 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹13,93,767 ($23,004). 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 2016, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Death, Beauty and Justice III (2007), offered in the Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art by Sotheby's, which concluded on 18 October 2016 at London, achieving a sale price of ₹40,85,680 ($61,230). 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 24 March 2010, made their debut in the Indian public auction market when Umrao Jan' The Last Dance was presented as Lot in Indian and Southeast Asian Art: Including Property from The Francisco Capelo Collection, conducted by Sotheby's in New York, USA. This auction marked the artist's first recorded appearance in the public auction market, establishing the earliest chapter of their auction history.
In 2023, the artist achieved a new high in the auction market with the sale of Fall of the Jade Kingdom II - Paradise Lost II (2014), offered in the Present Future by Asta Guru, which concluded on 16 February 2023 at Online, achieving a sale price of ₹2,56,55,424 ($310,442.76). 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 2023, an artwork by Raqib Shaw was featured on the cover of Asta Guru: Present Future (February 2023, Mumbai), marking a documented highlight in the artist's public and auction market visibility.
Economics of Art
Record-high lots5
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 Raqib Shaw’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.
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