Francis Newton Souza

Acquired from Gallery One, London, circa 1962

This artwork is in good condition overall, as viewed, however, it could benefit from a re-stretching. There are minor spots of surface accretion and scuffs scattered across the linen, particularly near the edges of the drawing. There are minor abrasions to the surface of the artwork because of frame rubbing, and some wear throughout.
"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 had a close affinity with St Francis,

'At the age of five, Souza caught smallpox, whereupon his mother vowed not only that she would rename her son after St. Francis Xavier if he were allowed to survive, but that she would do everything in her power to encourage him to become a Jesuit priest. 'I survived!', he says ruefully, and his mother fulfilled both her promises... In 1937, he was sent to a Jesuit school in Bombay, as his mother had promised; the St. Xavier's High School. It was scarcely a success. Although he was thinking seriously of becoming a priest, and was studying Latin to that end, the Jesuits who ran the school did not find anything godly in his indifference to school discipline, nor in his aptitude for drawing. 'The Jesuits who ran the school I attended knew I had talent for drawing. Whenever there was a drawing in the lavatory, I was usually suspected of having done it... After two years he was expelled as undesirable, and that was the end of his brief career as a budding priest.' (E. Mullins, Souza, 1962, pp. 14-15)