FN Souza and Francis Gollop: A fair trade!

An artwork’s value increases considerably based on its provenance. It also helps in ascertaining the authenticity of the painting. So, it was interesting to find that one of FN Souza’s art works titled ‘English Countryside’ (sold for Rs 50,92,937) and part of the recent lyheld Modern and Contemporary South Asian art sale by Bonham’s, came from the painter’s late accountant — Francis Gollop.

Apparently, Gollop took drawing classes from Souza in the 1950s in London and eventually offered his services as an accountant to the painter. In turn, Souza, who had become a known artist in British art circles,still didn’t earn enough to pay for Gollop’s fee. However, Gollop was such a fan of Souza’s artworks, that he covered the costs owed to his firm from his own pocket. Now, that’s some trade -off.