Tyeb Mehta’s ‘Rickshaw Puller’ sells for ₹69.1 crore
The acrylic on canvas dates from 2002, in the final decade of Mehta’s career, and depicts the rickshaw puller, a figure he returned to in his later work
Tyeb Mehta's 2002 painting "Rickshaw Puller" recently fetched ₹69.1 crore at the inaugural auction on Volte Una. This made it the fourth most expensive artwork sold at auction in rupee terms. The acrylic on canvas work, from the final decade of Mehta's career, portrays the rickshaw puller, a recurring subject in his later pieces.
Volte Una's founder, Tushar Jiwarajka, expressed delight at successfully showcasing Mehta's painting to serious and discreet collectors globally in private settings. The auction platform has reduced the traditional buyer's premium, returning that money to the consignors and successful bidders. Private viewings of the painting were held for a select group of collectors in major art centers.
Volte Una's model allows each artwork to receive individual attention, giving collectors the chance to engage closely with the piece before bidding. The next auction by Volte Una, set for late November, will feature a significant piece from M.F. Husain's Herwitz Collection. The most expensive Indian painting ever sold at auction remains Raja Ravi Varma's "Yashoda and Krishna," which was purchased for ₹167.2 crore.
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