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lot 1

lot 1

Francis Newton Souza

Untitled (Self-Portrait)

pen and ink on paper
3.75 x 3.75 in. (9.3 x 9.3 cm.)
executed in 1949

Winning Bid: $ 4,500

Estimate: US$ 5,000 - 7,000

Lot Closed

Lot Details

Signed and dated 'Souza 1949' (lower left)

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the artist

PUBLISHED
Vinod Bhardwaj, Francis Newton Souza: Dhoomimal Gallery Collection, Dhoomimal Gallery, New Delhi, p. 47 & 57 (illustrated)

F.N. Souza's drawings from the early part of his career showed his strength as a draughtsman. His masterly use of line lent his work spontaneous fluidity and helped him to evolve a unique visual language.

The present picture executed in 1949 might be one of his critical self-portrait as it bears some resemblance to himself who was sporting what he called an "Errol Flynn" mustache on this period. The face recalls Souza's youth and showcases his remarkable ability in cultivating good form, which always remained intrinsic to his aesthetic sensibility.

Francis Newton Souza

(1924 - 2002)
Born in 1924 in Saligao, Goa, Souza was expelled from the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, in 1942 for taking part in the ‘Quit India’ freedom movement. He went on to found the Progressive Artist’s Group in 1948, before leaving for London a year later. In 1955 Souza held a one-man show at Gallery One in London and also had his autobiographical essay ‘Nirvana of a Maggot’ published. He was awarded the John Moore Prize at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool in 1957 and received an Italian Government Scholarship in 1960. In 1959 a collection of his autobiographical essays, ‘Words and Lines’, was published, and in 1962 a monograph on his work by Edwin Mullins was published as well. In 1967 Souza migrated to New York where he received the Guggenheim International Award. Two retrospectives of his work were organized by Art Heritage, New Delhi, in 1986 and 1996. Souza also participated in a work-live programme in Los Angeles, hosted by Saffronart in 2001. Souza passed away in Mumbai 2002. Some important posthumous exhibition of his work include, ‘F.N. Souza’ at Saffronart and Grosvenor Gallery, New York, in 2008; ‘F.N. Souza: Religion & Erotica’ at Tate Britain, London, in 2005-06; ‘Self-Portrait: Renaissance to Contemporary’ at the National Portrait Gallery, London, in 2005; and ‘Francis Newton Souza’ at Saffronart and Grosvenor Gallery, New York and London, in 2005.