Mahatma Gandhi is the face of rare painting sold for more than $200,000
The only known oil painting for which Gandhi sat was sold for more than double its estimated value, marking a historic moment in art.
A rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, believed to be the only one for which the Indian independence leader ever sat, was sold at auction in London this week for £152,800 (approximately $204,648). The piece, offered by Bonhams auction house, had originally been valued between £50,000 and £70,000—making the final sale price a striking surprise to art collectors and historians alike.
Painted in 1931 by British-American artist Clare Leighton, the work captures Gandhi during a pivotal moment in his political career: his visit to London for the Second Round Table Conference. The talks were held to discuss India’s future under British rule and possible constitutional reforms. During his stay, Leighton was granted rare access to Gandhi, meeting him several times to sketch and complete what would become this singular oil portrait.
“This is an extraordinary work, not only for its artistic merit but for its historical significance,” said India specialist Oliver White of Bonhams. “It offers a window into one of the most important figures of the 20th century, captured at a turning point in his life and in global politics.”
Leighton, known for her wood engravings and socially conscious artwork, kept the portrait in her personal collection until her death in 1989. It then passed through her family, remaining unseen by the public for decades until its appearance at auction.
The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed, and it is not yet clear whether the painting will be made available for public viewing. For now, it stands as a powerful artifact at the intersection of art, politics, and the legacy of a man who led a nation to freedom.