M.F. Husain (1915–2011) was the most renowned Indian artist of the twentieth century, often referred to as the “Picasso of India”. As a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group in Bombay, he played a crucial role in moving away from traditional nationalist styles to adopt a bold, modern Indian aesthetic. His early experiences painting large cinema hoardings for Bollywood films significantly influenced his artistic style, characterized by vibrant colours, strong calligraphic lines, and a grand sense of scale. Hussain’s work masterfully combined high modernism with the dynamic vitality of Indian folk art and classical mythology.