For its “Spectacular Mid-Year Auction,” León Gallery presents important works of renowned masters Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya, and Ang Kiukok, as well as pieces made by contemporary artists Ronald Ventura and Andres Barrioquinto, among others. The preview for the auction runs from June 4 to 10, while the sale is on June 11, 2 PM.

Also in the roster of auction lots is a unique sculpture of a wild boar carved by Jose Rizal in 1895 during his exile in Dapitan. Originally owned by Rizal’s sister, Narcisa Lopez y Rizal, the piece has remained in the family and has been passed on from generation to generation.

In relation to Rizal, the auction also features his good friend, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s powerful seascape of the Chateau d’If—the prison that held the Count of Monte Cristo. The piece was dedicated to Hidalgo’s dear friend, Don Mauro Prieto y Gorricho, an illustrious figure in Manila society at the time and his neighbor on the street of Calle de San Sebastian.

Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo's untitled work for Don Mauro Prieto y Gorricho

Chona Kasten's portrait by Claudio Bravo

Fernando Amorsolo's "Winnowing Rice"

Jose Joya's "Golden Friendship"

Onib Olmedo's "Concert in the Alley"

Other significant painting that will go under the hammer on June 11 are Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s untitled gem that shows a colourful Angono fiesta that provides a look at the microcosm of Filipino town life, and Claudio Bravo’s “La Divina Chona,” featuring Claro M. Recto’s graceful and alluring daughter Chona Recto Ysmael Kasten.

Finally, no art auction is complete without BenCab. On June 11, his 1998 masterpiece “Isadora in Motion” will go up for bidding. The painting depicts the elegance in movement of the famous dancer Isadora Duncan.