Maqbool Fida Husain, one of India ‘s most known artist is famous for his bold & striking depictions. From mythology , folk traditions to western art he can effortlessly saddle all. His film ‘Gajagamini’ explored his beautiful vision with India’s most talented actress, Madhuri Dixit, his muse.
But right from the 1930s what he has drawn are the horses. While making a living as a cinema -hoarding maker in Bombay. As a child he played with clay horses. Riding carousel horses at village fairs.
His grandfather ‘s friend worked as a farrier, taking care of horses’ hooves, allowed him to be with the horses. This opportunity gave him a free access to the close study of the animals.
My aunty preparing for her drawing exams saw a cock everyday. Followed by a brood of hens & chicken. At home she drew. Rubbed & drew again. His feathers, neck & his proud stance. Would you believe she had to draw a cock for the exam!
Coming back to Hussain, he was inspired by Duldul- Prophet Mohammad ‘s white mule- which paraded during the Muharram processions. The graceful animal does demand attention.
His horses are powerful creatures that exude immense grace. Strangely he never painted their hooves, depicted in motion , capturing elegance & speed.
Sculptors also have a rule to make a statute with the horse , his hooves depicting if the rider met his death on the battlefield.
‘Passage of Time’ painted in 1954 is one of his major paintings featuring a horse. Several between 50s & 60s , Duldul in 1967 with fractured lines .
Painted in late 1990s, ‘Seven horses’ alluded to the Hindu mythological depiction of Surya, the sun god, whose chariot is pulled by seven horses.
Vandana Kalra ‘s article titled , ‘Husain ‘s horses : galloping across horizons , from Karbala to Ashwamedh’ sums up saying his last series an ode to diversity also featured horses. But it remained incomplete due to his demise in 2011.
His paintings massive , command attention in any room where they are displayed. That was his magic.
Asian Entertainment 