By Bryle B. Suralta
By now, Salcedo Auctions has been known to challenge the Philippines’ own historians and art connoisseurs with each new discovery. Whether it’s the record-setting boceto for the “Spolarium” by Juan Luna y Novicio last year or the two Lunas (“The Death of Cleopatra” boceto and “The Hunting Party” painting) and the “Draped Nude, Reclining in a Forest Landscape” by Felix Resurrección Hidalgo earlier this year, it manages to find one monumental piece after another.
And for The Well-Appointed Life 2019 auction, Salcedo Auctions has done it again. This time, by unveiling another well-appointed masterpiece, Felix Resurrección Hidalgo’s “La Pintura.”
“This intimate preview is truly a historic event,” Salcedo Auctions director Richie Lerma shares during the media preview for The Well-Appointed Life. “Why do I say that? Because the painting you see behind me has not been seen in public for 126 years.”
Thanks to Salcedo Auctions, the painting has resurfaced again, and is the highlight of this year’s “Important Philippine Art” sale under The Well-Appointed Life, which will be held on September 21 and 22 at The Peninsula Manila’s Rigodon Ballroom.
The painting depicts a mestiza, her back behind the viewer, standing in front of a blank canvas in a studio. Done in true French impressionist style, the painting focuses not on the painter but on the act of painting. Apart from the pastel hues, influence of Japonisme and the softness of strokes, the choice of a woman as a subject makes it all the more interesting, considering how patriarchal those times were. But it is the elusiveness of Hidalgo’s mysterious 19th century-era muse that truly captivates viewers.
This artwork has remained in the same family (the descendants of Don Jose Vazquez Castiñeira) since it was exhibited at the Natural History and Ethnographic Exhibition at the Museo Arqueologico Nacional in Madrid, Spain back in 1893. The Castiñeiras also previously owned Juan Luna y Novicio’s “España y Filipinas” and last year’s “Spoliarium.”
Hidalgo’s work is accompanied by that of his contemporary, Juan Luna y Novicio, whose rare 1881 watercolor “Venezia” closely hews to a style known as “Costumbrism,” which was popularized by Spanish artists in the 19th century. “La Virgen María Leyendo un Libro,” a rare work by Luna and Hidalgo’s predecessor, Simón Flores y de la Rosa, who is recognized as the first Filipino artist to have received an international award, is also included in the lineup.
Many modern masters also appear under the “Important Philippine Art” sale, including works by such National Artists as Jose Joya, Vicente Manansala, Ang Kiukok and BenCab as well as Rodel Tapaya, Juvenal Sanso and Mauro Malang Santos.
Philippine Tribal and Ethnographic art is available, too. “It is something that we pioneered [in],” Richie claims. “Belgians know more about our native culture than we did. I thought it was high time to ask to increase people’s awareness regarding the arts of our native cultures by showing objects that represent those cultures, as well.”
There will be close to 500 well-appointed lots going under the hammer across four sale categories this year: “Important Philippine Art,” “Connoisseur Collection,” “Fine Jewelry & Timepieces” and “Rare Automobiles.” Aside from the 165 paintings and sculptures and 152 pieces of furniture, books, etc., a 1976 stainless steel patek watch, a red 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, a 1969 BWM motorbike and a vintage red mobile gas pump lead this year’s auctions.
The preview will start on September 13. Those who are interested may view the pieces at the upper lobby of The Peninsula Manila and at the new Salcedo Auctions headquarters at NEX Tower from 10 am to 6 pm. The preview is open to the public, free of charge. The online catalogue is available at salcedoauctions.com.
