Important Notice

Souza's still-lifes of the 50s and 60s portray his prolific style and mastery over various representational modes. These drawings emerged with his interest in the observational qualities of objects as well as the symbolism which imbued them. Often present in Souza???s still-lifes are the same references to religion that are found elsewhere in his oeuvre: sacred objects such as chalices, crucifixes and the Eucharist are depicted on altar-like... Souza's still-lifes of the 50s and 60s portray his prolific style and mastery over various representational modes. These drawings emerged with his interest in the observational qualities of objects as well as the symbolism which imbued them. Often present in Souza???s still-lifes are the same references to religion that are found elsewhere in his oeuvre: sacred objects such as chalices, crucifixes and the Eucharist are depicted on altar-like surfaces or tables. As the artist himself said, ???The Roman Catholic Church had tremendous influence over me, not its dogmas but its grand architecture and the splendour of its services. The priest dressed in richly embroidered vestments, each of his garments from the biretta to the chasuble symbolising the accoutrements of Christ???s passion.??? (Edwin Mullins, Souza, London: Anthony Blond Ltd, 1962, p. 42) These works also illustrate Souza???s signature cross- hatching technique which is used repeatedly in his drawings as well as his paintings.

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