Page 189 - AstaGuru Masters Legacy April 2024

Lot No. 51

F N SOUZA
1924-2002

UNTITLED (HEAD)
35.7 x 32.7 in (90.8 x 83.2 cm)
Oil on canvas
1965
SIgned & Dated: Top Right

` 1,50,00,000 - 2,00,00,000 | $ 182,926 - 243,902

Provenance: Property from a collection based
in North India. Artwork was acquired by the present
owner from Christie’s.

F.N. Souza’s body of work is celebrated for its boundary-
pushing nature and distinct individualism. This is
particularly evident in his renowned ‘Head’ series,
where he redefines portraiture with complex, distorted
visages. Originating in the early 1950s, coinciding
with his relocation to London, Souza drew inspiration
from European art movements and figures like
Francisco Goya during his stay in the city from 1949
to 1967, influencing the evolution of his head series.

These faces serve as an expression of Souza’s inner
turmoil, characterized by their unsettling and raw
portrayal while showcasing the artist’s mastery of
intricate detailing. Rather than focusing on outward
appearances, the series prompts viewers to delve into
introspection. As time progressed beyond the 1950s, the
heads became increasingly abstract and experimental,
featuring mutated features. Souza distinguished himself
from Picasso by claiming to have pushed the boundaries
of facial morphology even further.