Magsaysay-Ho painting highlights auction
OVER 100 works are being offered at Salcedo Auctions’ upcoming “Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art & Rare Collectibles” live and online auction on June 25, 2 p.m.
The lots for sale include a large Anita Magsaysay-Ho painting that was documented in Alfredo Roces’ monograph In Praise of Women. There is also a rare 1969 mixed media piece from National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera’s Scavenger series from the artist’s London period; an Ang Kiukok dated 2002 from a renowned Asian collection; and a 1933 oil on canvas fisherman’s family scene by National Artist for Visual Arts Fernando Amorsolo.
Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s legacy in the definition and development of modern Philippine art is as unquestionable as the love for nation and celebration of womanhood that she manifested in her paintings. In her practice, Ms. Magsaysay-Ho illustrated women quietly carrying out domestic tasks such as winnowing, selling wares, or looking after livestock. With their eyes half-closed and smiling lips, they embody a secret sort of contentment and fulfillment.
Referred to as the Scavenger series, Mr. Cabrera’s exceedingly rare works bear the archetypal qualities of his later Sabel and Larawan series: rumpled swathes of fabric covering dynamic figures, and sharp divisions in the forms and tonalities of the background.
Other pieces and antiques in the auction include an 18th century gargoyle Dinemonyo altar table in balayong wood; a vintage Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Big Red circa 1979; Cartier fine bone china, and Christofle sterling silver.
Other Philippine artworks in the auction include National Artist J. Elizalde Navarro’s much-exhibited and published The Red Kimono, Tokyo from 1965; glass sculptor Ramon Orlina’s Flight to the New Frontiers (2001); National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s 1960s Untitled (Battle of Mactan) watercolor, featured in the artist’s monograph and authenticated by his apprentice Salvador Juban; a 1967 acrylic titled Objects VII by Roberto Chabet with its original Luz Gallery label; a 1982 Malang gouache; and a rare pastoral monochromatic watercolor showing rice farmers by National Artist Vicente Manansala from 1971.
The “Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art & Rare Collectibles” live and online auction will take place on June 25, 2 p.m. Register to bid and browse the catalog at salcedoauctions.com. The auction preview begins on June 9 and runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Ave., Makati City. For inquiries, e-mail info@salcedoauctions.com or contact 8823-0956, 0917-591-2191.
