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Mughal Painting of Cheetah Family Sells for Nearly ₹120 Crore in London
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
A 450-year-old Mughal painting titled 'A Family of Cheetahs in a Rocky Landscape' sold for approximately ₹120 crore at Christie’s in London. Attributed to Basawan, it reflects the artistic heritage of Akbar's court.
Key points
- The painting was sold for £10.245 million at Christie’s in October 2025.
- It set a world auction record for a Classical Indian or Islamic painting.
- Basawan was a prominent artist during Akbar's reign, known for his expressive figures.
- The painting focuses on animals in their natural habitat rather than royal figures.
- Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and Princess Catherine Aga Khan owned the painting before the auction.
- Christie’s initially estimated the painting at £700,000 to £1 million.
Key insights
- The high sale price reflects a growing interest in historical Indian artworks.
- This painting's focus on wildlife indicates a shift in artistic themes during the Mughal era.
- The auction's success may encourage further investments in Indian art.
Why it matters
This sale highlights the enduring value of Mughal art and its significance in cultural history.
Tags
Entities
Basawan· PersonAkbar· PersonPrince Sadruddin Aga Khan· PersonPrincess Catherine Aga Khan· PersonChristie's· OrganizationLondon· City
Source
Times of India
