Osian's Auction Catalogue Masterpieces and Museum-Quality III | March 2004

39 MASTERPIECES & MUSEUM-QUALITY III 9 WALTER LANGHAMMER (1905-77 / b. Austria) Back Bay Reclamation – Bombay Signed in English l.r. Oil on canvas, c.1940 57.0 x 79.5 cm (22.4 x 31.3 in) Slight discolouration around the edges due to previous framing Rs. 600,000 – 700,000 US$ 13,350 – 15,550 GB£ 7,300 – 8,550 “ The painting on view entitled ‘Back Bay Reclamation – Bombay’, is a work of historical importance because of the rarity of Langhammer’s works. The work qualifies for an urgent style; the thick impasto and seemingly undisciplined brushstrokes capture the impression of the bay with an emotional force. The dynamic perspective infuses movement that takes the viewer into the distance towards the faint locale on the horizon. Facing similar circumstances, being a Jew and a refugee, his approach to painting was much like Kokoschka’s, who also left Austria and travelled to other lands. The work here shares the spirit of the panoramic views of Thames in London painted by Kokoschka.” (Kekoo Gandhy, rpt. in Manifestations – Indian Art in the 20th Century EXC. Delhi Art Gallery 2003; p.45.) OSIANs S.I.R. ANALYSIS [1999-2002] Present Estimate 855.77 Previous High 552.06 [So.Lon/08.06.00] Previous Average 357.42 Opinion Awareness regarding the historical relevance of W. Langhammer in influencing, supporting and nurturing Indian modern art and artists during the 1940-50s is now increasing. Further, awareness regarding the international valuation of Langhammer among the Indian art collector is still minimal. As his high quality landscapes / seascapes begin to reach the market a clearer valuation will be reached, with the average S.I.R. stabilising around the 675-725 mark.