In brief:

  • Indian contemporary master F.N. Souza concluded the auction with three of the top five prices, including a peak of £34,000.
  • A large triptych based on an 18th-century miniature by Nainsukh of Guler stood out, demonstrating strong interest in decorative works, selling for £19,680.
  • Fragmentary Mughal drawings depicting the biblical story of Tobias exceeded expectations, achieving over £23,000.

The Arts of India sale on Wednesday 19 June was very successful with a strong paintings section leading the results. Works by Indian contemporary master F.N. Souza (1924-2002) captured three of the top five hammer prices with a bold pastel landscape painted in 1989 fetching £34,000, an untitled Head at £19,680 and another mixed media landscape at £7,800.

Spurred on by the big results Souza has achieved at auction recently, international bidders led the way in securing these works by a sought after artist. An incredibly large triptychpainting after a well-known 18th century miniature by Nainsukh of Guler also made the top five with a commission bid which took out the internet, proving that decorative works with big impact have big appeal.

The surprise of the auction was an outstanding result achieved for two small fragmentary drawings which achieved over £23,000. Depicting the biblical story of Tobias, the beautifully rendered drawings were the work of a Mughal master.

Alice Bailey, Associate Director and Head of Department, commented: "We thank our bidders and vendors and look forward to our next sale on Friday 25 October."

Highlight lots: 

Lot 222: Francis Newton Souza, Indian (1924-2002), Untitled, Landscape, Signed and dated "Souza 1989"

Price realised: £34,040

Lot 223: Francis Newton Souza, Indian (1924-2002), Untitled, Head

Price Realised: £19,680

Lot 225: Francis Newton Souza, Indian (1924-2002), Untitled, Landscape 

Price Realised: £7,872

Lot 207: A large triptych after a painting by Nainsukh of Guler, Musicians playing a Raga for Balwant Dev Singh during the Rainy Season

Price Realised: £10,496 

Lot 140: A preparatory sketch, possibly inspired by the biblical story of Tobias

Price Realised: £23,616