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THE FACE BEHIND THE MAHATMA: An Intimate Inscribed Portrait of Gandhi

This rare signed portrait presents Mahatma Gandhi in an unusually intimate and unguarded moment. Unlike the more formal or politically charged photographic depictions associated with Gandhi during the nationalist movement, the present lot reveals a softer and more tender aspect of his persona.

The photograph captures Gandhi, head tilted downwards with a... THE FACE BEHIND THE MAHATMA: An Intimate Inscribed Portrait of Gandhi

This rare signed portrait presents Mahatma Gandhi in an unusually intimate and unguarded moment. Unlike the more formal or politically charged photographic depictions associated with Gandhi during the nationalist movement, the present lot reveals a softer and more tender aspect of his persona.

The photograph captures Gandhi, head tilted downwards with a gentle smile, his expression conveying the humility and inner calm that became central to his moral and philosophical identity. The absence of overt political theatre or ceremonial framing lends the image a remarkable immediacy, transforming it from documentary record into a profoundly human portrait.

Signed by Gandhi in Hindi with the inscription “Bapu ke Ashirvad” (“Blessings from Bapu”), the work carries the character of a personal keepsake. Such inscriptions were often presented by Gandhi to close associates, followers, and members of his extended circle.

The photograph was gifted directly to Anand T Hingorani, an important Gandhian figure associated with the freedom movement, a participant in the Dandi March, and later editor of Harijan, Gandhi’s influential weekly journal. Preserved within the Hingorani family by descent, the work forms part of a historically significant private archive connected to Gandhi’s immediate intellectual and activist network.

This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as a reference for the condition of each lot.

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