Highlights in the auction will include works by the renowned modernists Syed Haider Raza, Francis Newton Souza and Tyeb Mehta.

Also featured in the sale are several works by the late Maqbool Fida Husain, who passed away in June 2011.

As a tribute to the master, Christie's has secured a selection of extremely important masterpieces. These include works from the Keehn Family Collection - among the finest in Indian art collecting.

MF Husain's Untitled (Horses), 1959, estimated at $120,000-180,000

Thomas and Martha Keehn became involved with the emerging modern Indian art movement after moving to India in 1953. In 1956, the Keehns hosted the most significant exhibition of its time, 8 Painters, held in New Dehli.

Several works from this exhibition are being offered in this sale.

These include Husain's Yatra (estimated at $300,000-500,000) and Ram Kumar's Untitled (Boy and Goat) (estimated at $200,000-300,000).

Another painting by MF Husain is Untitled (Horses), 1959, is estimated at $120,000-180,000.

"Through the uninhibited use of impasto in this work, Husain conveys the sense of raw unimpeded power of a herd of wild and untamed horses," reads Christie's description of this magnificent work.

Also selling is a monumental painting: MF Husain's Untitled (The Three Graces) (estimated at $400,000-750,000).

Greek mythology... Husain's monumental Untitled (The Three Graces)

The monumental painting looks towards ancient Greek mythology, depicting the three attendants of Eros and Aphrodite: Euphrosyne, Thalia, and Aglaia.

"Husain's choice of these sensuous and immortal women from ancient Greece - a subject frequently depicted by Old Masters - demonstrates his ability to seamlessly meld international influences into his distinctive style," says Christie's.

Watch this space for more news on the sale.

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