Francis Newton Souza

Acquired by the current owner's late husband in 1964 from Bear Lane Gallery, Oxford 

Colours, especially red are brighter in reality. This work is in good condition, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Souza's Goan heritage had a profound influence on his oeuvre. In 1959 in his publication of Words and Lines, Souza describes a typical Goan landscape,  'A beautiful country, full of rice fields and palm trees; whitewashed churches with lofty steeples; small houses with imbricated tiles, painted in a variety of colours. Glimpses of the blue sea. Red roads curving over hills and straight across padding fields. Morning is announced by the cock crowing; the approaching night by Angelus bells.'  His landscapes do not contain sentiment, they have an impulsive energetic quality
'The landscapes, architectonic with their 'cubic factors' are ultimately lyrical. There's an unrestrained enthusiasm, a liberty in the application of colour that is swiftly applied with a palette knife, creating smooth pulsating textures.' (Anthony Ludwig, Souza, New Delhi, Dhoomimal Gallery)