A rare oil painting of Mahatma Gandhi, created by British artist Clare Leighton in 1931, has been sold at auction in London for £152,800 (approximately $204,648). The final price significantly exceeded Bonhams’ pre-sale estimate of £50,000 to £70,000.
The portrait was painted during Gandhi’s visit to London for the second Round Table Conference, which addressed constitutional reforms and India’s push for self-governance. Bonhams notes this is believed to be the only oil portrait Gandhi ever sat for.
Clare Leighton was among the few artists granted access to Gandhi’s office, allowing her multiple sessions to sketch and paint his likeness. The painting remained in Leighton’s family collection following her death in 1989, before being put up for auction.
The buyer’s identity has not been disclosed, and it is currently unknown whether the painting will be publicly exhibited.
Gandhi, widely regarded as the “father of the nation” in India, led a historic non-violent movement against British colonial rule, inspiring millions worldwide with his teachings and activism.
