A remarkable oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, created in 1931 by British artist Clare Leighton, has been sold at a Bonhams auction in London for £152,800 ($204,648). This price far surpassed the auction house's original estimate of £50,000-£70,000, underscoring the painting's historical value.
The portrait is believed to be the only oil painting Gandhi posed for during his lifetime, marking a rare artistic representation of the iconic figure. Gandhi's visit to London in that year was in connection with the second Round Table Conference, where discussions regarding constitutional reforms and India's self-governance were on the agenda. Bonhams stated that Clare Leighton was among the select few artists who gained access to Gandhi's office, allowing her to create this one-of-a-kind likeness through multiple sittings.
The portrait remained in Leighton's family collection until she passed away in 1989, after which it was inherited by her family. While Bonhams has not disclosed the identity of the buyer, it is unknown whether the painting will be publicly displayed in the future.
