Property from Private Collection, TampaM. Reddeppa Naidu1932 - 1999UntitledOil on boardSigned and dated 'Reddeppa Naidu / '64' lower right and bearing distressed label on reverse47 ¾ x 21 ⅛ in. (121.3 x 53.7 cm.)Painted in 1964Kumar Gallery, New DelhiPrivate Collection of a US diplomatAcquired from the above, 2021Born in 1932 in Andhra Pradesh, M. Reddappa Naidu was one of the pioneering modern artists from southern India. He was educated at the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Chennai, where he garnered regional and national renown. He received his diploma on a cultural scholarship from the Government of India in 1960 and soon after, he was awarded the National Award of the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, only two years after graduation. Naidu is known for his charming and brightly colored works with traditional and religious Hindu subjects. He also depicted architectural scenes, showing a proclivity to churches and spires. In the present lot, we see a striking tower rendered with natural lines and hues. Naidu replaces the harsh, angular forms of the built world with expressive brushwork and spontaneous drip marks. Untitled illustrates Naidu’s mature understanding of line and form as a young artist post-graduation.