Following the successful sale of the “Spoliarium” boceto, which fetched P63 million in September last year, Salcedo Auctions will once again auction off a Juan Luna sketch.
The boceto of Luna’s “Death of Cleopatra,” which won a silver medal at the Madrid Exposition in 1881, goes under the hammer at the auction on March 9. Signed, inscribed with a dedication to his father, and dated 1880, the oil on canvas painting originated from the collection of the late Dr. Eleuterio “Teyet” Pascual (1936-2012), widely recognized as one of the most significant collectors of Philippine art and antiquities.
The painting was last seen at the Luna and Hidalgo retrospective exhibition held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in 1988.
Also part of the Saturday sale are Luna’s “The Hunting Party,” a previously unknown work, deriving from the estate of the late Doña Maria Nuñez Rodriguez (1911-1992); and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s “Draped Nude, Reclining in a Forest Landscape,” which likewise remained in the same family for over 130 years.
Among other distinctive pieces to be up for bidding include Filipino masters Bendicto “Bencab” Cabrera’s 1969 work from his Scavengers series (“Sabel,” 2008, acrylic on canvas); an untitled marble sculpture by Napoleon Abueva; and a black and white abstract piece by Lao Lianben (“Head and Zen,” 1948, acrylic on canvas).
Also to go under the hammer are “Philippine Folk Dances” by Carlos Botong Francisco, which features indigenous faces from different regions of the country on a large narra relief sculpture; and an untitled piece by Romeo Tabuena (1961), showing a whimsical post-impressionist treatment of a cactus, which sets this piece apart from the more exuberant chromatic paintings distinguishing his Mexican period.
Aside from “Important Philippine Art,” Salcedo Auctions also includes in the lots up for bidding antiques and furniture pieces from the 19th and 20th century.
The kamagong and narra tambol aparador from the second quarter of the 19th century, Sheraton-style Nueva Ecija altar table from the last quarter of the 19th century, late 19th-century Sheraton-style Baliuag altar table, Baliuag comoda and chest of drawers from Bulacan, late 19th-century bishop’s chair with its baroque and rococo-inspired design, a set of four art nouveau chairs from the first quarter of the 20th century, and exquisitely carved images of De Tallado Santo Nino Dormido from the late 19th-century.
From the Kiangan are exceptional pieces that serve as symbols of wealth and prestige in their respective communities. A large hagabi bench from early to mid 20th-century carved out of a single tree trunk. Other fine models of Philippine heritage include a unique standing Bu’lul with a hornbill headdress as well as early 20th-century brass kudyapi from Maranao, Lanao del Sur featuring ornate detailing and silver inlay.
