An artist, a sensation

Rare Souza paintings to go under the hammer at Weschler’s Auctioneers & Appraisers today

Francis Newton Souza (1924-2002) was one of India’s contemporary painters whose style was not only characterised though it was decidedly modern in outlook. He was one of the country’s most important and influential painters of the 20th century and the very first to win international accolades and fame. Three of his best works will go under the hammer at Weschler’s Auctioneers & Appraisers today. It is a rare auction displaying Souza’s artworks.

The founder of Mumbai’s highly influential Progressive Artists’ Group, he moved to London in the late 40s where his talent was quickly recognised. His big break as an artist came in 1955 when his Nirvana of a Maggot got published in Encounter magazine, owned by Stephen Spender. This was the perfect platform for Souza to start his painting career in London. In 1959, one of his books, Words and Lines, was published and received literary recognition. In 1967, he migrated to New York where he received the prestigious Guggenheim International Award in recognition of his timeless and priceless contribution to the art society.

The three Souza Limited Masterpieces that expect to draw attention at the exquisite Weschler’s auctions are on ‘oil on canvas’ and ‘acrylic on canvas’ namely Vatican Landscape, Your Face, My Thane and Tres Cabecas Em Lisbao. These portraits are among the numerous works Souza produced in Goa at the ancestral De Souza Mansions as well as his home in London.

All the pieces placed for the auction comes with a specific authenticity certificate which is signed and notarised by FN Souza during his last family vacations in Goa and Karwar, just a year before his passing away.