Art Market

Saffronart's Dual Auction Events in New Delhi

Saffronart’s September 14, 2024 auctions in New Delhi celebrate F N Souza’s centenary with key works and present a diverse array of modern and contemporary Indian art, showcasing significant contributions from iconic artists.

Serenade Team

Sep 6, 2024 — 2 min read

Untitled (Pieta), 1987, by FN Souza

Saffronart is set to host two significant auctions in New Delhi on September 14, 2024, marking a day of celebration for art enthusiasts and collectors. The first, “Works From a Distinguished Private Collection: Francis Newton Souza Day Sale,” will honour the centenary of the renowned modernist F N Souza. The second, the annual flagship “Evening Sale,” will showcase a rich collection of Indian modern and contemporary art.

F N Souza Day Sale

In celebration of F N Souza’s 100th birth anniversary, Saffronart’s day sale will present 48 lots from a distinguished private collection. These works span several decades of Souza’s career and include his iconic heads, Christ and the Church, and female nudes.

*Untitled (Head with Horns)*, 1966, by FN Souza

Souza, born in Saligao, Goa, in 1924, revolutionized Indian art with his bold modernist vision and was a founding member of the Progressive Artists’ Group. His work is known for its powerful imagery and incisive draughtsmanship, blending influences from Romanesque art, classical Indian sculpture, and Old Masters with a unique personal style.

Leading the day sale is Untitled (Pieta), 1987, a poignant exploration of mother and child, estimated between INR 3 – 5 crores (USD 361,450 - 602,410). Also featured is Californian Girl, 1968, reflecting Souza’s fascination with the female form and cultural commentary.

Minal Vazirani, Saffronart President and Co-Founder, remarked,

“Saffronart is pleased to celebrate F N Souza’s centenary year with a sale that offers an opportunity for seasoned and first-time collectors to acquire works from pivotal periods in his oeuvre. Souza’s style, driven by constant experimentation and a deep connection to both Eastern and Western influences, remains as relevant and compelling as ever.”

Evening Sale

The evening auction will be led by Hindu Temple, Bombay, circa 1884, by Edwin Lord Weeks, a prominent 19th-century Orientalist. This painting, estimated between INR 14 – 18 crores (USD 1,686,750 - 2,168,675), exemplifies Weeks’ masterful use of light and shadow and his fascination with Indian architecture and culture.

Other highlights include works by S H Raza, M F Husain, Jehangir Sabavala, and Amrita Sher-Gil, as well as rare pieces from the Bombay Progressive Artists’ Group and Bengal School. The sale will feature significant works that capture pivotal moments in these artists' careers.

Dinesh Vazirani, Saffronart CEO and Co-Founder, said,

“With a catalogue of works by pioneering modern and contemporary artists, our annual flagship Evening Sale has been meticulously curated to offer significant value. We are delighted to present a rare Orientalist masterpiece by Edwin Lord Weeks and exceptional works from celebrated Indian artists, showcasing their artistic evolution and cultural impact.”

Both auctions will take place at The Oberoi, New Delhi, with viewings in Mumbai and New Delhi preceding the events. For more information, visit saffronart.com.