Leon Gallery, the premiere auction house in the Philippines, embarked on the country’s last and biggest auction for 2016 with “Kingly Treasures.”
Recently recognized by Blouin Art, the influential international magazine for art collectors, as among the 250 Best Auction Houses Worldwide for 2016, Leon Gallery holds the record of the highest sale of a single lot sold at auction in the Philippines.
With formidable pieces from a wide range of periods, the “Kingly Treasures” roused the most excitement on the local art scene before the yearend. It was very honored to feature the incomparable La Inocencia by Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo. Deemed as among the most important works of the artist in a private collection, the piece painted at the dawn of the 20th century in 1901 has remained in the hands of a single, illustrious family for 115 years. It has hung on the same wall in the sala of the Legarda Mansion in San Miguel District since 1938 when Don Alejandro Legarda moved to the exclusive neighborhood around Malacañan Palace. It previously presided over the grand salon of the Legarda ancestral home on Calle San Sebastian, now R. Hidalgo St. in Manila.
A gem from the golden age of the 13 Moderns, some collectors believe that the works of H.R. Ocampo from the 1950’s were his strongest and best. 55-G The Wall from 1955 shows Ocampo’s mastery of detail, color and texture. It clearly emphasizes the superb talent of the homegrown master.
Fernando Zobel pieces from the 1950’s are exceedingly rare. More rare and unique are his works from that period in red. Saeta 248 is a work that may never be found again, possessing a rather powerful and dominant appeal.
Among the other highlights were large-scale works entitled Fish and Fishermen by the legendary Ang Kiukok. Widely recognized as the father of Philippine conceptual art, a Roberto Chabet oil on canvas piece was another rarity included in the auction. Another major highlight was the exquisite Tres Marias by Bencab – the artist’s entry to the 18th Asian International Art Exhibition in the Hong Kong Heritage Museum from December 2003 to March 2004. Fresh from a first and highly successful solo show in London at the Saatchi Gallery, Andres Barrioquinto’s immensely romantic Silent Air was also in the spotlight.
Adding to artworks were important antiques. The sculpture Angel by Isabelo Tampinco is an impressive and highly poignant work. For furniture, the Gabaldon kamagong bed, a Huang-huali set of furniture, and an 18th Century Balayong cabinet were all part of this auction.
Leon Gallery invited art enthusiasts and collectors to the special preview of this historic assemblage of masterpieces from Nov. 24 – Dec. 2, 2016 before the auction on Dec. 3. The catalogue is available for download at www.Leon-Gallery.com.
Leon Gallery is located at G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino Corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
For more information, visit www.Leon-Gallery.com or contact Leon Gallery at (02) 856-2781 or info@leon-gallery.com. Like or follow @LeonGalleryMakati on Facebook and Instagram.
