For Francis Newton Souza (1924 - 2002), 1949 was an important year. He was gaining notoriety in Bombay circles for his 'erotic' art, faced rejection from the Art Society of India for his nudes and was charged with obscenity by the Bombay police. It was becoming extremely difficult for Souza to live under such censorship. So, in July 1949, Souza sailed to London where he would spend almost two decades gaining acclaim.

'In 1949 Souza was a penniless artist, in a new country, on the brink of a new decade. However, despite the hardship he faced, he held strong in his passion and drive, as Goetz commented, “your revolutionary spirit will bring you many troubles but go on fighting. The future is always with those who struggle for self-expression and for ideals” Souza fought, and would carry on fighting because he believed in his art.'

(excerpt from catalogue Souza In The 40s, Grosvenor Gallery, London and Saffronart, Mumbai, 2019)

A founder member of the Progressive Artists’ Group, F.N.Souza (1924-2002) is known equally for his provocative paintings and writings. Expelled from the J.J.School of Art, he was nonetheless a technically skilled artist who honed his talent further by keenly studying the art of the past. This is evident in the sensitivity with which he could draw still-life and nudes. This particular lot is remarkable for its fine linear quality and inherent gracefulness.