A blackstone sculpture of Vishnu, believed to have been crafted in northeastern India during the Pala period around the 11th or 12th century, has been sold for £635,000 at Christie’s auction house in London. This significant piece of art had previously been auctioned at Christie’s in March 1973, where it was part of the collection of René Jaquerod from Zurich, Switzerland. The buyer retained the sculpture for 53 years before it was auctioned again on June 11, 2026.

Details of the Auction and Sale Price

According to Christie’s official website, the sculpture realised over nine times its high estimate during the June auction, which was part of the event titled ‘Sublime Shadows: South Asian Art from a Distinguished Collection.’ The final sale price translates to approximately Rs 8.16 crore. The sculpture, a blackstone stele of Vishnu, measures 41.5 inches (105.4 cm) in height and showcases the artistic prowess of the Pala period.

The auction featured a total of 93 works from a single private collection, highlighting a variety of South Asian art. The Vishnu sculpture stood out due to its intricate detailing and historical importance, making it one of the notable results of the sale.

Christie’s described the piece as a finely carved representation of Vishnu, illustrating the exceptional skill of artists from northeastern India during the Pala period. Despite some missing sections, the remaining parts of the stele exhibit meticulous attention to detail, particularly in Vishnu’s facial features, body contours, and adornments.

Artistic Features and Composition

The sculpture features a delicate sash that appears almost transparent as it drapes across Vishnu’s torso. The detailed carvings include necklaces, a ‘vaijayantimala’ cord, and intricately designed armbands. The treatment of Vishnu’s belt and dhoti, which is visible beneath the softly modelled abdomen, further reflects the sculptor’s dedication to accurately portraying the human form.

Additionally, the back panel of the sculpture includes figures of Lakshmi to Vishnu’s left and Saraswati to his right. Other decorative elements, such as an elephant, a ‘vyala’—a mythical creature—and a ‘makara,’ a composite creature commonly found in Indian art, are depicted in low relief along the upper side panel. The lower section beneath the throne is adorned with lotus blossoms and donor figures, contributing to a rich composition that surrounds the central image of Vishnu.

The arrangement of smaller figures and decorative details around Vishnu enhances the overall narrative of the sculpture, making it a significant representation of the artistic achievements during the Pala period.

Provenance and Auction History

The recorded history of the sculpture begins with the René Jaquerod Collection in Zurich. Christie’s catalogue indicates that it was auctioned on March 19, 1973, as lot 113, and was acquired by the buyer at that time. The sculpture remained in the possession of its owner for 53 years before being reintroduced to the auction market in June 2026.

According to a press release from Christie’s, the June 11 auction generated a total of £18,909,996 and was fully sold in terms of both lots and value. The collection from which the Vishnu sculpture was drawn was formed during the 1990s and early 2000s, focusing on Bengal’s artistic legacy and the evolution of modern South Asian visual culture.

The remarkable sale of the Vishnu sculpture, achieving over nine times its high estimate, underscores the enduring appeal and value of historical Indian art in the contemporary market.

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