When one thinks of the Tree of Life, several images may come to mind because of its deep roots in different cultures and religions. The first and last books of the Bible mention it together with the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden, while the Bodhi Tree in Buddhism was where Siddhartha Gautama […]
Salcedo Auctions Unveils Catalog for September Edition of ‘The Well-Appointed Life’
On September 14, 2024, Salcedo Auctions will hold its much-anticipated “The Well-Appointed Life” marquee sale, showcasing a remarkable collection of works from Filipino masters and contemporary artists. The auction, which begins at 2 PM, offers both live and online bidding. The catalog, now available at salcedoauctions.com, promises an exceptional array of pieces, from important Philippine artworks to rare ecclesiastical and ethnographic artifacts, all aligned with the theme, “The Life That Shines Within.”
Richie Lerma, chairman of Salcedo Auctions, describes the collection as a tribute to the spirit of excellence, akin to the remarkable achievements of the country’s recent Olympic athletes. “Their victories have brought pride to the nation, just as art inspires and unites us,” Lerma explains.
Highlights of the Sale
Among the standout pieces are two contrasting works by National Artist BenCab. Sabel (2008), estimated at PHP 20,000,000 to PHP 22,000,000, showcases the artist’s vibrant muse, a symbol that has spanned his career. In contrast, The Door (1970), a more subdued piece from the Glenda Jackson collection, London, is estimated at PHP 2,000,000 to PHP 2,400,000. These two paintings, created 38 years apart, reflect the evolution of BenCab’s style, from the introspective drawings of a homesick artist in London to the bold, colorful strokes of his later years in Baguio.
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Two paintings by National Artist Ang Kiukok also capture attention. Yellow Fish Skeleton (1979), estimated at PHP 3,300,000 to PHP 3,500,000, marks a transition from serene representations to a more intense and confrontational style. Meanwhile, his 1988 work Horse (PHP 15,000,000 to PHP 16,000,000) reveals Kiukok’s rare humorous side, depicting a dynamic and playful interpretation of the animal.
Masters and Traditional Themes
Other notable works include Woman (1992) by Mauro Malang Santos (PHP 14,000,000 to PHP 15,000,000), a vibrant cubist piece that contrasts with Fernando Amorsolo’s romantic landscape Harvesting Perales (1949), estimated at PHP 8,500,000 to PHP 9,500,000. While Amorsolo is known for his warm depictions of rural life, Malang’s work subverts tradition with explosive colors and bold geometric forms.
Fernando Zobel’s Gestos XXIX-Climbing (1979), estimated at PHP 7,000,000 to PHP 7,500,000, is another highlight, marking Zobel’s 100th birth anniversary. Collectors of abstract art will also find key works from National Artists Cesar Legaspi, Jose Joya, and Arturo Luz, with Legaspi’s untitled canvas from 1971 and Luz’s monumental Black Forms, White Space (48 x 93 in) both commanding high estimates.
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Contemporary Art and Iconic Artifacts
Contemporary heavyweights Ronald Ventura, Jose John Santos III, and Rodel Tapaya lead the lineup of modern works. Ventura’s Second Skin (2009), estimated at PHP 12,000,000 to PHP 15,000,000, explores themes of identity through vivid pop culture references. Santos’ Handyman (2006) and Tapaya’s The Caretaker (2014) showcase their allegorical storytelling and technical prowess, with estimates reaching up to PHP 7,000,000 for Santos’ piece.
Beyond visual art, the auction includes historical artifacts, such as a prestigious hagabi bench from the Northern Uplands, estimated at PHP 3,300,000 to PHP 3,500,000, and a solid ivory Santo Niño Dormido adorned with gold jewelry, estimated at PHP 1,000,000 to PHP 1,200,000.
Viewing and Bidding Information
Salcedo Auctions will conduct the auction on September 14 at NEX Tower, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, with live bidding and online participation available.
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For inquiries, contact [email protected] or +63 917 107 5581. Keep updated by following @salcedoauctions on Instagram and Facebook.
Photos courtesy of Salcedo Auctions
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