Original 1931 head-and-shoulders portrait etching of Gandhi in his traditional clothing, 10.25 x 14.5, signed in the lower right in fountain pen, “M. K. Gandhi.” Also signed in the lower right border in pencil by the artist, “Elias M. Grossman imp.” In very good condition, with moderate to heavy overall foxing and staining, and a few unobtrusive edge creases.
Having received international renown for his etchings of celebrities, urban views, and landscapes, Jewish-American artist Elias Grossman finally got Mahatma Gandhi to agree to a sitting at the start of the 1930s—only after learning that he would be in the company of such legendary figures as Albert Einstein and Rabindranath Tagore. As Gandhi sat on the floor, Grossman worked lying flat on his stomach, observing during his work not only the physical details of his subject, but also the wit, friendliness, and extreme piety of the Indian leader. A wonderful original etching of Grossman’s famous portrait—either printed by or personally overseen by the sought-after artist, as indicated by the “imp”—from the year that Gandhi signed his Pact with British Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin, and attended the Round Table Conference in London. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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