Portrait believed to be only one Gandhi sat for sells for Rs 1.7 crore at Bonhams

A Priceless Piece of History: Rare Gandhi Portrait Fetches Rs 1.7 Crore at London Auction

A Historic Auction Surprise

In a remarkable moment for art and history lovers, a rare portrait of Mahatma Gandhi has fetched a staggering Rs 1.7 crore at an online auction hosted by Bonhams in London. The artwork, titled “Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi”, was painted by British artist Clare Leighton and is believed to be the only oil painting for which Gandhi ever posed. The painting went under the hammer on Tuesday and sold for £152,800, more than triple its initial estimate of £50,000-£70,000 (Rs 57 lakh to Rs 80 lakh).

The portrait quickly became the highlight of Bonhams’ Travel and Exploration online sale, marking its first-ever appearance in an auction.

The Painting’s Tumultuous Journey

According to the artist’s family, the portrait carries not just artistic value but also a dramatic history. In 1974, during a public exhibition, the artwork was allegedly attacked with a knife by a Hindu right-wing activist. The catalogue entry for the auction even notes visible restoration work on multiple tears, evidence of the violent incident. Despite these scars, or perhaps because of them, the portrait’s value and significance have only grown over the years.

How Clare Leighton Met Gandhi

Clare Leighton, a talented British artist and illustrator, had a unique chance encounter with Gandhi. The meeting took place during Gandhi’s visit to London in 1931, when he was attending the historic Second Round Table Conference. At the time, Leighton was in a relationship with political journalist Henry Noel Brailsford, a vocal supporter of Indian independence. Through this personal connection, she was introduced to Gandhi.

Unlike many others who longed for a chance to meet the leader, Leighton had the rare privilege of being allowed into Gandhi’s office to sketch and paint him. This makes the portrait not just an artistic achievement but also a personal document of Gandhi’s time in London.

Exhibition in 1931

Just months after creating the portrait, Leighton showcased her work in an exhibition at the Albany Galleries in London in November 1931. The exhibition included Gandhi’s portrait and drew attention from art critics, journalists, and the general public.

One such observer, journalist Winifred Holtby, offered a vivid description of the painting: “The little man squats bare-headed, in his blanket, one finger raised, as it often is to emphasise a point, his lips parted for a word that is almost a smile… the statesman who knows just how to play on the psychology of friends and enemies alike.”

This powerful description highlights how the portrait not only captured Gandhi’s physical likeness but also conveyed his personality, charisma, and political influence.

A Window into Gandhi’s Global Influence

The portrait is more than just a painting—it is a reminder of Gandhi’s global presence and the respect he commanded far beyond India. During his 1931 trip to London, Gandhi met with politicians, activists, and intellectuals, sparking debates on colonialism and self-rule. The fact that an artist like Leighton was inspired to paint him reflects how Gandhi had become a subject of fascination worldwide.

This painting therefore stands as a visual representation of Gandhi’s impact during a crucial period in India’s independence struggle.

Symbolism of the Sale

The fact that this artwork fetched such a high price at auction is symbolic in itself. It shows how Gandhi’s image continues to inspire admiration across borders, even decades after his death. Collectors and institutions recognize the historic and cultural weight behind such a piece, making it a prized addition to any collection.

While India is home to countless statues, sketches, and photographs of Gandhi, this oil portrait stands apart because it is believed to be the only time the Mahatma agreed to sit for such a work. That detail makes it a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.

Art Meets History

Art historians point out that Gandhi was often reluctant to sit for paintings or portraits, preferring simplicity and rejecting excessive glorification. That he made an exception in this case speaks volumes about his respect for the people around him and his willingness to engage with the wider world. Leighton, already an accomplished artist, captured him with authenticity and empathy, resulting in a portrait that balances simplicity with strength.

The Legacy of Clare Leighton

Though she is best known for her wood engravings and illustrations, Clare Leighton’s association with Gandhi adds a remarkable chapter to her career. Her ability to immortalize one of the most influential figures of the 20th century in oil paints remains a defining highlight of her body of work.

Her connection with political journalist Henry Noel Brailsford also ties this story into the broader context of British support for Indian independence—a reminder that Gandhi’s fight for freedom resonated with allies across the globe.

Why This Sale Matters Today

The sale of the Gandhi portrait in 2025 comes at a time when global interest in Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence remains strong. In a world facing political divisions, social unrest, and cultural conflicts, the auction of this portrait is a reminder of Gandhi’s timeless relevance.

It also reignites conversations about the importance of preserving art that carries not just aesthetic beauty but also historical weight. Each time such a work reappears, it reopens dialogue about the person it represents, the context in which it was created, and the lessons it carries for future generations.

Conclusion

The auction of Clare Leighton’s Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi is not merely about art changing hands—it is about history finding new custodians. Selling for Rs 1.7 crore, the portrait has proven that Gandhi’s legacy remains priceless, resonating as powerfully today as it did nearly a century ago.

With its dramatic backstory, artistic brilliance, and emotional resonance, this rare painting serves as a bridge between past and present, reminding the world of Gandhi’s enduring spirit and the universal values he stood for.