León Gallery’s Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2016 this June selects significant works that emphasize extremely sought-after art and artists, as well as noteworthy pieces that have added in vital Filipino identity. A number of prized pieces by renowned masters Fernando Amorsolo, Jose Joya and Ang Kiukok, as well as modern pieces by Ronald Ventura and Andres Barrioquinto, among others are also part of this impressive affair.
(Ronald Ventura – Void)
Highlight of the show is a piece of national history. León Gallery displays a work by the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Inherited by direct descent from Rizal’s second-oldest sister, Narcisa Lopez y Rizal, the figure of a wild boar has remained in the family, giving it overwhelming origin. It is one of the final works by the national hero and a stunning part of the past. Leon Gallery is humbled with the trust and confidence bestowed upon by the family. It is with pride that this is perhaps the first-time ever that an artwork by the national hero is offered on the auction market.
León Gallery presents Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo’s powerful seascape of the formidable Chateau d’If – the prison that held the Count of Monte Cristo. This beautiful creation marks a fête of genuine camaraderie. Unfamiliar to some, this piece is dedicated to the artist’s dear friend, Don Mauro Prieto y Gorricho, the artist’s neighbour on the exclusive street of Calle de San Sebastian (known now as R. Hidalgo).
(Pablo Amorsolo – Dalagang Bukid)
Newly discovered, collectors will marvel at a brilliant painting by none other than Carlos “Botong†Francisco. Dated 1960, this untitled gem focuses on a colorful Angono Fiesta, providing an affectionate look at the microcosm of Filipino town life. Salvador Juban, the artist’s long-time protégé and assistant, provided authentication, even recalling seeing the creation of this work at the sala of the artist’s home.
Lastly, the late socialite Chona Recto Ysmael Kasten was equal in splendor and grace. Involved with her style and patrician origins, the salute of Manila’s high society and was eternalized by the distinguished Fernando Amorsolo. Adoring her most fashionable persona in 1968, she was also the theme of a stunning work this time by the international master Claudio Bravo. These immortalization of “La Divina Chona†will be seen in the upcoming auction as a chronicle of a life well lived.
This assemblage of highly coveted artworks will be available for viewing for art enthusiasts and collectors from June 4 to 10, 2016. The auction will be held at 2 in the afternoon on June 11, 2016.
León Gallery is located at G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino Corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more information, contact León Gallery at +632-8562781 or info@leon-gallery.com. Like or follow @LeonGalleryMakati on Facebook and Instagram.
(Mauro Malang Santos – Tres Marias)
 
(Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera – Isadora in Motion)
(Anita Magsaysay-Ho – Untitled)
(Ang Kiukok – Cockfight)
(Andres Barrioquinto – Garden Kiss)
(Cesar Legaspi – Three Nudes)
