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A rare oil portrait of Indian Independence Leader Mahatma Gandhi was auctioned in London for £ 152,800 ($ 204,648).
The figure is much higher than 50,000 to 70,000 British pounds that Bonhams auction house has estimated that work can bring. It was painted in 1931 by British artist Claire Leighton when Gandhi visited London.
Bonhams said it is believed that the picture is the only portrait of Gandhi oil.
He was leading a non -violent movement to resistance to British rule in India and his exercises inspired millions. Most Indians worship him as “the father of the nation.”
The portrait was made when Gandhi left for London in 1931 for the conference of the second roundtable, held to discuss constitutional reforms for India and addressing his demands for self -government.
According to Bonhams, Claire Leighton “was one of the few artists recognized in his office and was given the opportunity to sit repeatedly to sketch and paint his likeness.”
The works remain in the artist’s collection until her death in 1989 in the United States, after which she was betrayed through her family.
Bonham did not say who bought the picture and it is not clear if it will be displayed.
