F N Souza’s 1992 artwork may fetch up to Rs 35 lakh

Panaji: FN Souza’s renowned artworks will be featured at the Dimensions Defined Modern Indian Art Online Auction from February 20-22. One artwork, dated 1992, is expected to fetch Rs 25L to 35L, while another untitled piece from 1995 is estimated between Rs 10 lakh and 15 lakh.
“The varying prices of Souza’s works can be attributed to his versatility as an artist, as he explored a wide range of mediums and techniques throughout his career,” said AstaGuru Auction House senior vice president (client relations) Sunny Chandiramani. “Factors such as the size of the piece, the medium used (oil, ink, etc.), the year of creation, provenance, and exhibition history all play significant roles in determining the price. Each artwork is unique, and these various elements contribute to its individual value in the market,” he said.
Souza, a renowned modernist and founder of the influential Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG), remains one of the most celebrated Indian artists, with his works consistently fetching impressive prices at auction. The 1995 work in this particular auction is one of Souza’s pieces, characteristic of his signature style, featuring nude imagery painted with acrylic on paper.
“Souza’s nudes were not idealised or delicate; instead, they conveyed a sense of intensity, power, and emotional depth. His use of distorted proportions and vivid, often unsettling colours emphasised the rawness of the human body, reflecting both physical and psychological complexity. These works, which explore themes of sexuality, identity, and human vulnerability, became a significant part of Souza’s artistic legacy and continue to be highly regarded for their audacity and emotional resonance,” he said.
The auction will also include a work by John Fernandes and a rare bronze sculpture of Pieta by Krishen Khanna. “Fernandes carved out his niche by embracing realism at a time when many Indian artists were moving towards abstraction and modernism. His works stand out for their devotion to traditional forms. His figurative paintings of female forms are admired by viewers and collectors alike for their unique blend of innocence and sensuality,” he said.
“Symbolising the profound narrative of Mother Mary cradling Christ after his descent from the cross, Khanna’s interest in this powerful imagery began in his youth, particularly after returning from England when his father gifted him a copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. His connection to religious imagery deepened during summers spent at the vicarage of Franciscan Brother Joseph Gardener, where he became captivated by biblical stories,” he said.