FRANCIS NEWTON SOUZA (1924-2002)

Acquired directly from the artist by Ragnar Zedell, 1959, Stockholm
Thence by descent

Ragnar Zedell owned a small but renowned art and antiques store in the heart of Stockholm and became acquainted with Francis Newton Souza when the artist attended an exhibition of his work at Gallery St Nicolaus in the city in May 1959. Frustrated by a negative review the exhibition received a day after its opening, Souza stormily decided to close down the show and offered Zedell the paintings he brought to Stockholm for a modest price. Zedell recognized in Souza’s work the master he would go on to become and acquired all the works from the short-lived exhibition. The present portrait from the Zedell family collection not only offers fascinating testimony of Souza’s temperament, but also of a Swedish family’s intriguing six decade relationship with modern Indian art.