MUMBAI.- Prinseps’ recent back to back online auctions for books and prints saw strong results across the board with the bidding time extended on multiple lots in the prints auction due to a flurry of last minute bids. The auctions highlighted Prinseps’ ongoing success in the spaces of rare collectables and modern Indian art.   

The ​prints auction​, which went live from 10 to 11 September made a total of ​47,26,800 INR (including buyers premium) highlights included ​Somnath Hore’s ​Wounds ​ selling for double the high estimate, with the winning bid at 9,000,000 INR. The work is part of the artist’s paper pulp print series from his experiments in the 1970s.​Wounds represent the theme of war, starvation and human suffering, that carry resonance in today’s challenging climate.

Other highlights of the sale included prints by leading modernists V. S. Gaitonde, Francis Newton Souza and M. F. Husain, all selling for well over their high estimates with ​M. F. Husain’s ​Untitled (Figures With Tree) ​of particular note selling for 3,84,000 INR - almost double the high estimate. The colourful print reflects Husain’s work which often blends folk, tribal and mythological motifs to create vibrantly contemporary art forms. 

The Rare Books Auction saw 52 lots from the estate of renowned collector Mr Sunil Baboo, sell for a total of 33,23,400 INR (including buyers premium), with particular interest in Luis De Camoens, ​The Lusiad Or The Discovery Of India (1809), which saw particularly heavy building before selling at 2,04,000 INR. The three volumes, printed for Lackington, Allen and Co. London describes Vasco Da Gama's journey to India and had previously been owned by art collector Edward Cheney (1803-1884) of Badger Hall, in Shropshire.  

James Grant’s, ​Cassell's History of India also saw a lot of interest selling for 66,000 INR over four times its initial estimate​. The book includes ​numerous engravings of various parts of India alongside James Grant's depiction of the history of India. 

Prinseps have recently launched their online store​, a marketplace for exclusive luxury, specializing in direct sales of items such as jewellery, books, carpets, and premium design on a continuous basis, outside of the curated and scheduled online auction. 

Prinseps will be hosting their next ​Modern Art Day Sale from 3-4 October​.