Untitled (Nude Studies in Decorative Ground)

Details

FRANCIS NEWTON SOUZA (1924-2002)
Untitled (Nude Studies in Decorative Ground)
signed and dated 'Souza 56' (upper right) each
ink on paper
10½ x 8 1/8 in. (26.8 x 20.8 cm.) each
Executed in 1956
Group of three works on paper and one book: F. Souza and G. Melly eds., F. N. Souza: Religion and Erotica (3)

Literature

F. Souza and G. Melly eds., F. N. Souza: Religion and Erotica, London, 2005, (illustrated on cover; Untitled (Female Nude) illustrated on back cover)

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Lot Essay

Portrait painting and drawing from antiques were subjects borrowed from the Royal Academy syllabus [...]. Nudity, particularly female, was wrapped up in sin and Victorian inhibitions. A naked man was nothing but insane; but even a half dressed woman was regarded as immodest and immoral. We had forgotten about digambara, the Jain intellectual concept of being space-clad when unclothed.
(F. N. Souza, 'Portrait of a Genius', Patriot Magazine, New Delhi, February 1, 1976, p. 1)

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