Filipino Pride: Leon Gallery offers a breathtaking selection of historic works.

Fernande Zobel - Untitled.jpg

Fernande Zobel - Untitled

Works from two of the artists who were featured at the Venice Biennale are included in Leon Gallery’s 2017 auction line-up, namely: Fernando Zobel and Jose Joya. 

At this upcoming auction, Zobel is represented by two works, including a stunning homage to Francisco de Zurbaran’s “Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose” (1633) and now a jewel in the crown at the Norton Simon Museum in the United States. 

Read More: Leon Gallery Highlights 19th Century Filipino Art Masterpieces

Alfonso Ossorio - The Mushroom (1963).jpgAlfonso Ossorio - The Mushroom (1963)

Ang Kiukok - Fishermen (1981).jpg

Also on the roster is ‘Fishermen’ by Ang Kiukok from 1981.

Art critics contend that the early 1980’s was the period when Ang Kiukok produced his best works. To add to the allure of this particular piece is that it is an impressively-sized oil, measuring 40 x 80 inches, said Jaime Ponce de Leon of León Gallery.

Three sinuously muscular fishermen cast their nets; there are seven gigantic fishes symbolizing the bounty of life. A red sun burns above. This theme is a most desired subject of the artist. Furthermore, the artist’s name “Ang” can be seen spelled out in the position of the fishermen. 

See Also: Matters of The Art

Vicente Manansala - Pila sa Bigas (1979).jpgPila sa Bigas” by Vicente Manansala (1979)

Manansala was the most successful artist of his generation and he enjoyed the attention of the beautiful women of society who lined up to pay tribute to him in Binangonan.  This work was among the most major pieces the artist created during that period — and is a masterpiece of the highest level.

Read More: Weaving The Threads Of Filipino Heritage

John Santos III - Scale for Sale.jpgJohn Santos III - Scale for Sale
The Tampinco Bed of Maximo Viola (1909).jpg

The Tampinco Bed of Maximo Viola (1909)

Another piece to be noted is the historic and intricately carved Isabelo Tampinco bed of Maxima Viola, bestfriend of Jose Rizal, known as the man who financed Noli Me Tangere hence saving the book from never being published.

Nena Saguil - Untitled (1988).jpgNena Saguil - Untitled (1988)

Momentous pieces from Nena Saguil, the first woman abstract artist in the Philippines, are also included. A photograph of Saguil in her apartment-atelier with among her last paintings in 1992 shows the artist in spectacles beside the untitled 1988 work that is among the highlights. 

Carlos Botong Francisco - Fiestas and Myths (1960) back part showing the myths.jpgCarlos Botong Francisco - Fiestas and Myths (1960) back part showing the myths

A unique piece is a pair of magnificent doors made of narra by Carlos “Botong” Francisco from the collection of the artist’s close friends, Dr. and Mrs. Alejandro Roces. The door features three carved panels on each side. with a total of twelve works. It represents various aspects of Filipino cultures — its daytime rituals and fiestas as well as the creatures and inhabitants of the night.

Carlos Botong Francisco - Fiestas and Myths (1960) front part showing the fiestas.jpgCarlos Botong Francisco - Fiestas and Myths (1960) front part showing the fiestas

On the front are iconic Filipino traditions like the “moro-moro” or the clash between the Christians and Muslims, and “sabungan” or cockfight, etc. The reverse, on the other hand, are themes of Filipino folklore like “tikbalang” or demonic horse, “mangkukulam” or witch doctor, “aswang” or shape-shifter among others.

Get ready to place your bids! 

See Also: León Gallery Celebrates Filipino Art in Mid-Year Auction

 

Leon Gallery invites everyone to the ongoing preview that ends on June 9, 2017.  The Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2017 is on June 10, 2017 at 2 in the afternoon. The catalog may be viewed or downloaded at www.leon-gallery.com