Francis Newton Souza (1924 - 2002)

Acquired in Paris circa 1955

Thence by descent

This work is mounted and framed behind glass. There are minor spots of foxing on the mount due to age. There are pin holes present in all four corners of the work, most probably when the artist was creating it. There is very minor craquelure in the thicker areas of paint, most notably on the trees. There are pin hole sized areas of loss, only noticeable upon very close inspection. The paper is slightly undulated. This work is good overall condition, as viewed.
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Whilst living in London, Souza travelled around Europe and his townscapes from this time were often inspired by the ecclesiastical architecture he encountered as reminders of the Roman Catholic churches from his native Goa. During the 1950s, Souza's landscapes followed a simple rectilinear structure of buildings punctuated by angular sparsely leaved trees. The palette of these early works was indicative of the artist's interest in stained-glass windows, with luminous hues framed by dark outlines. Rudi von Leyden's review of Souza's exhibition in Bombay highlighted these qualities, 'Francis Newton's paintings, perturbing and bewildering to many reveal nevertheless the talent of a strong willed and imaginative artist... he confesses to the fascination of church music and stained glass windows. The luminous mosaic technique of the latter he employs under the influence of Rouault without imitating. The total effect of this exhibition with its turbulence of colour, is exciting and soothing at the same time.' (The Times of India, November, 1948).