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F N SOUZA
(1924 ‒ 2002)
Standing Nude
Signed and dated 'Souza 1952' (upper
right); inscribed and dated 'F.N. SOUZA/
STANDING NUDE/ 1952' (on the reverse)
1952
Oil on board
28.5 x 15.25 in (72.1 x 38.7 cm)
Rs 40,00,000 ‒ 60,00,000
$ 63,495 ‒ 95,240
PROVENANCE
Originally acquired from Gallery One, circa 1950s
Private Collection, New Delhi
The present lot was painted in 1952, at the
beginning of a period widely considered
to be the peak of F N Souza’s artistic
career. It demonstrates his mastery over
form, line and composition, and cements
his skills as a draughtsman. Solidly rooted
and dominating the board, this standing
nude is fearless and defiant. Souza’s thick,
black lines outline her without excessive
detail. A few years before leaving for
England in 1949, Souza and Husain
had travelled together to see the stone
sculptures of Mathura. The influence
of those sandstone carvings, as well as
references to Mohenjodaro, is seen in the
pose and bracelets of his subject.
Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro
Source: via Wikimedia Commons
41
F N SOUZA
(1924 ‒ 2002)
Head
Signed and dated 'Souza 1956' (upper left); inscribed and
dated 'F.N.SOUZA / HEAD ‒ 1956' (on the reverse)
1956
Mixed media on paper
21.75 x 14.75 in (55 x 37.7 cm)
Rs 18,00,000 ‒ 24,00,000
$ 28,575 ‒ 38,100
PROVENANCE
Acquired in New York between late 1990s ‒ early 2000s
Private Collection, New York
Private Collection, Mumbai