The last nine paintings of celebrated artist M F Husain will go on public display for the first time at the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum here next month.
The 'Indian Civilization Series', also known as 'Vision of India through Mohenjo-Daro to Mahatma Gandhi', was commissioned by steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal's family in 2008 and have never previously been seen publicly.
Mittal's wife, Usha, has now lent the paintings to the V&A, where the artist completed a residency in 1990, to showcase the final works of Husain who died in London in 2011 aged 95.
"Spanning mythology, architecture and popular culture, the 'Indian Civilization Series' is the final achievement of M F Husain, an artist whose work was continually inspired by the traditions of India," Usha Mittal said.
"I was privileged to see this series as it was created and am delighted that it will be shown at the V&A, a lasting tribute to Husain Sahib and his vision," she added.
The series comprises eight monumental triptych paintings, each 12 feet wide and six feet high, which represent Husain's vision of the richness of Indian culture and history.
It will be on display at the world famous museum between May 28 and July 27 as part of an exhibition entitled 'M F. Husain: Master of Modern Indian Painting'.
"They capture India's vibrant cities, colourful Hindu festivals, iconic figures and historic events. These imposing, large-scale artworks will be presented alongside a single painting of the Hindu god, Ganesha, which serves as the symbolic beginning of the series," V&A said in a statement here today.
The paintings were done in London, where Husain spent his final years, and each panel explores a different theme, together creating a personal vision of India.
Interweaving religious and symbolic iconography with historic figures and events, the paintings also incorporate memories from the artist's own life.
"Indian Civilization is a tribute to the country Husain loved but had to leave after his life was threatened for portraying Hindu deities in the nude. He lived in London and Qatar in self-imposed exile from 2006.
"The artist's initial intention was to paint 96 panels exploring the breadth of Indian culture; unfortunately he died before he could achieve this ambition," the statement said.
Some of Husain's handwritten notes, describing his ideas, themes and stories for each painting and explaining the scenes depicted, will be included in the exhibition guide.
A short film directed by Husain, 'Through the Eyes of a Painter', which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin film festival, will also be screened as part of the show.
