Celebrating the centenary of the iconic artist, Francis Newton Souza, the March 2024 auctions of South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art at Christie’s are set to showcase 36 exquisite lots by the maestro.
Born in 1924 in Saligao, Goa, Mr. Souza lost his father at a tender age. These early tribulations, however, fueled his determination to carve his unique path in life. While studying at the Sir J J School of Art in Mumbai, Mr. Souza’s passion led to his expulsion as he actively participated in the Quit India Movement.
Undeterred, in 1947, he co-founded the Progressive Artists’ Group alongside fellow luminaries such as S. H. Raza and M. F. Husain, marking a significant chapter in the evolution of modern Indian art.
Mr. Souza’s artistic journey witnessed a transformative phase in the late 1940s when he painted small-format watercolors portraying Goan landscapes and shedding light on the struggles of the Indian poor.
In 1949, seeking patronage and a more liberal audience, Mr. Souza moved to London, where the initial years were fraught with challenges. However, overcoming challenges, he gained critical acclaim, patronage, and commercial success.
The auction will not only feature Mr. Souza’s masterpieces, but also include artworks from the collection of Robin Howard CBE, Mr. Souza’s supporter, thus enriching the event with a diverse array of artistic expressions. The upcoming auctions will see both a live auction and an online sale from March 13 to 27.
Highlights of the collection are The Naked Family (Bombay Beggars) ($30,000-50,000), Landscape of Hampstead, London, ($70,000-100,000), Priest with Chalice from 1953 ($500,000-700,000), and The Lovers ($700,000-1,000,000).
“Souza’s time in London is widely regarded as the apex of his career,” commented Nishad Avari, Head of Indian Art at Christie’s. “It was when he was the most driven and then found the means to produce works on a larger scale. His works made between 1955-1963 rarely come to market, and are therefore in higher demand among collectors of Indian Modernism. Nowadays, the collector base for Souza’s work extends far beyond South Asia, Europe and America. We are seeing more and more East Asian clients looking at the work of Indian Modernists.”
This celebration of art is a fitting tribute to the enduring brilliance of F.N. Souza on the eve of his 100th anniversary.
