Panaji: Fans of Francis Newton Souza’s artworks will have the rare opportunity to get an intimate insight into his creative world. A special section devoted to works and archival material from Souza’s Studio will be featured at Saffronart’s summer Online Auction, to be held on June 15 and 16. The auction will bring together important works on paper and personal studio objects, including the artist’s easel, palettes, painting smock, projector, and reference materials totaling more than Rs 2.3 crore.One of the most important works in this collection is the one titled St Sebastian, estimated to be Rs 1.8-2.8 crore. Painted in 1957, the work is emblematic of Souza’s psychologically charged heads and his engagement with religious iconography, martyrdom, and the contradictions of institutional faith.In addition, an Untitled work dated 1962 is estimated to be auctioned at Rs 56.4 to 75.2 lakh.Dinesh Vazirani, CEO and co-founder, Saffronart, said, “Our summer online auction brings together works of exceptional provenance and art historical significance, representing some of the best of Indian art. We are particularly pleased to present a selection of works and personal effects from the private studio of F N Souza, offering collectors a rare glimpse into the life and creative mind of one of India’s most influential modernists.”The catalogue features 130 lots by prominent modern and contemporary south Asian artists.Among the highlights of the catalogue is Jagdish Swaminathan’s Bird, Mountain, Tree series, besides a striking composition by Manjit Bawa, alongside a major work from Krishen Khanna’s iconic Bandwalla series. The sale also includes a group of works from a distinguished private collection in the United States, featuring important paintings by N S Bendre, M F Husain and Ganesh Pyne.
