Souza's 'most impressive work' at Saffronart auction

A 1961 oil on canvas by Francis Newton Souza, titled "The Herald", which has been described as the "most impressive of all" by his biographer Edwin Mullins, will go under the hammer at Saffronart's upcoming summer online auction.
Considered to be a significant work from the artist's finest phase, the artwork that combines clear imagery with stark emotion, and reveals Souza's own views on humanity, is estimated at Rs 1.92 - 3.2 crores.
The painting was part of a private collection in South America and was originally believed by the owner's daughter to be the work of a South American artist.

However, it was subsequently revealed to be from Souza's successful 1961 exhibition at Gallery One in London.
The sale which will feature important works by India's finest modernists, will also have a robust selection of contemporary South Asian art including art from Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
One of Tyeb Mehta's artworks from his "Falling Figure" series, painted in 1965, is estimated at Rs 2 - 3- crores.

"Saffronart's leadership in the contemporary South Asian art space is reflected in the meticulous research, sourcing of material and exciting presentation of the lots in the catalogue. We are excited to be able to preview this alongside works of Indian Modernism in our flagship online summer sale," Abha Housego, Head of Saffronart UK, said.

Highlights from the contemporary section featuring themes of identity, migration and socio-economic issues, will include works by Valay Shende (estimated at Rs 30 - 35 lakhs), Bangladeshi artist Tayeba Begum Lipi (estimated at Rs 3.8 - 5.1 lakhs) and Subodh Gupta whose 'Sat Samunder Par' (estimated at Rs 60 - 80 lakhs) addresses the phenomenon of migration in modern times.
The auction, which will take place on saffronart.Com, will be preceded by viewings of select lots in New York, London, New Delhi and Mumbai.