FN Souza works at Waddington’s online auction expected to break all-time record

Francis Newton Souza was one of India’s best-known contemporary painters, whose style was bold and made real statements that were eye-catching and visually arresting. 

Every magical touch by FN Souza collapses the distance between observers of the work of art today, and the former world, which the artist inhabited all those years ago. 

Three of his best works are up for a private sale at Waddington’s International Art (Online) Auction, hosted by the Canadian auction house Waddington's based in Toronto, from November 23 – 28, 2019.

The three Souza masterpieces at the auction are from an exclusive series - (Souza '65) Multicoloured Villagescape, (Souza '68) When Thou Art at Rome, Do as they do at Rome and (Souza '61) Self Portrait. 

All the pieces hold great value for FN Souza and his family, as they represent his affinity for the Catholic faith, and for Goan and Portuguese culture and history. 

All the pieces up for sale come with authenticity certificates that were signed and notarized by FN Souza during his last family vacations in Goa and Karwar, just a year before his passing.

A founder of Mumbai’s highly influential Progressive Artists’ Group, Souza moved to London in the late-1940s, where his talent was quickly recognised. 

His big break as an artist came in the year 1955, when his Nirvana of a Maggot got published in a leading magazine, which was owned by Stephen Spender. This was a perfect platform for Souza to start his painting career in London. 

In 1959, one of his books, Words and Lines, was published and received much 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. Souza possessed a taste like no other, when it came to his artwork.

The FN Souza International Fine Art Foundation and Family Trust Inc also released a few more paintings portraits for a public and private auction - the abstract portraits of Vatican Landscape, Your face, My Thane and Tres Cabecas Em Lisbao. This auction and show will present a rare opportunity to get a glimpse of the magic of a great artist. 

Born in to an aristocratic Roman Catholic family in Goa, Souza married Francis Patrick Souza's mother Barbara Maureen Zinkant in 1965 in London. Soon after, they relocated to New York City in 1967.

The Souza lineage can be traced to the Portuguese royal family. Their roots are linked to Martim Afonso De Sousa, the 12th Governor of Goa, appointed by Dom Joao the 3rd of Portugal, to rule Goa from 1542 to 1545. 

The Souza family own properties and mansions in many parts of Goa and are respected members of society that serve as judges, advocates, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs and educationists.

Today, the De Souza's have settled over the length and breadth of the globe including Mumbai, Goa, Europe, Africa, America and Australia. 

On his frequent visits to Goa from the UK and New York, Souza created thousands of works of art including, Women and Phoenix (1950); Nude in Profile (1952); Indian Women (1954); Untitled Head of Man (1957 & 1960), The Roman (1966) and many more on canvas, board and cloth. 

The FN Souza International Fine Art Foundation and Family Trust was started in memory of Francis Newton Souza over 12 years ago to preserve his legacy and his family history and aristocratic ancestry.

At the Waddington’s International (Online) Art Auction from November 23 – 28, 2019. For details visit the Waddington's official website.