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Francis Newton Souza (Indian, 1924–2002)
LOT ID: 63085
Untitled (Couple), 1950

Ink, Brown ink on paper
10 х 8 in. cm.
Signed, and dated 1950 in ink on front. This work comes with documentation of ownership from the time the work was acquired directly by the artist in 1950.
Lot description
F.N. Souza. "Untitled (Couple)". 1950. Brown Ink on Paper.
Unframed dimensions: 10 x 8 in.
Framed dimensions: 21 x 18 in.

"Couple" is one of the finest works on paper by arguably the most famous Post-Modern & Contemporary Indian artist, Frances Newton Souza. A masterpiece from 1950, "Couple" is stunning and underscores Souza's incredible skill as a draftsman and his unique manner of line and mark-making. The theme is also one that occupies much of his decades of works, both in paintings and works on paper, especially the theme of the female nude, lovers and couples.

Born in the Portuguese colony of Goa, Francis Newton Souza’s (1924-2002) expressionistic style and provocative work frequently draws upon personal life experiences in order to explore the dichotomy between adversity and perseverance. The confluence of his family’s Roman Catholic religion, along with the provocative Indian Art that surrounded his upbringing, produced stark juxtapositions which disquiet the viewer while alluring to their visual sensations. Often exploring the destructive qualities found in societies, Souza exposed hypocrisies and corruption alike to provide confrontational viewpoints through his art. As a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group of Bombay, Souza was the first post-independence Indian artist to achieve recognition in the Western world. In 1949 Souza made London his primary residence until 1967 when he made his way to New York to live and work until his death in 2002.
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  • Francis Newton Souza

    Untitled (Study for Mystic repast)
    ink on paper
    (H 8.2, W 10.6) in.
    (20.8 x 26.8) cm.
    Sold for: US$8,600
    Thursday, June 09, 2011
    Christie's London
    Lot 00011
  • Francis Newton Souza

    Untitled
    pen and ink on paper
    (H 9.5, W 7.5) in.
    (24.1 x 19) cm.
    Sold for: US$8,304
    Thursday, April 21, 2011
    Saffronart
    Lot 00015
  • Francis Newton Souza

    Untitled (Two men)
    ink on paper
    (H 9.9, W 8.0) in.
    (25.1 x 20.3) cm.
    Sold for: US$13,750
    Tuesday, March 23, 2010
    Christie's New York
    Lot 00015
  • Francis Newton Souza

    Female - Nubian head
    pen and ink
    (H 10.0, W 7.9) in.
    (25.5 x 20) cm.
    Sold for: US$13,200
    Monday, March 03, 2008
    Bonhams Dubai
    Lot 00136
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