Three rare works of F N Souza worth crores up for auctioning this month

Panaji: Three rare artworks by Francis Newton Souza, one of India’s iconic modern artists and a native of Goa, will be up for auction at the ShowKeen exhibition, scheduled to take place from April 23 to 24. Organised by AstaGuru Auction House, the exhibit is set to bring together the titans of modern and contemporary Indian art.
The Souza works heading to the auction block are Castle (1957), an untitled portrait of a man (1958), and another untitled piece from 1966. These are collectively estimated to be worth crores. Each piece represents a different chapter in Souza’s artistic journey and offers rare insight into his stylistic evolution.
Castle, an oil on Masonite board, showcases Souza’s architectural sensitivity, layering structure and imagination in a unique interplay. The 1958 untitled head, done in oil on board, captures Souza’s raw and unfiltered portrayal of the human psyche, one of the hallmarks of his expressionist style. The 1966 untitled work, executed in mixed media on paper, reflects a mature phase of experimentation, depth, and emotion.
“FN Souza’s works at ShowKeen offer a vital historical anchor within the exhibition with their distinctive and evocative presence,” Manoj Mansukhani, chief marketing officer of AstaGuru Auction House, said. “Souza’s contribution to modern Indian art is profound, and showcasing these works together allows us to honour his enduring influence while offering viewers an opportunity to engage with the emotional depth and individuality that define his practice. ShowKeen is proud to present this rare convergence of creativity and legacy,” he added.
Souza, a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group, is credited with revolutionising Indian art in the post-independence era. His raw, visceral imagery and unapologetic style positioned him as both a rebel and a visionary.
The ShowKeen exhibition will feature a curated lineup of masterpieces from legendary artists like MF Husain, SH Raza, Ram Kumar, and Krishen Khanna, alongside boundary-pushing works from contemporary talents such as Suryakant Lokhande, Meetali Singh, Mousumi Biswas, and CD Mistry.
The auction will be held online, making these timeless works accessible to a global audience.