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León Gallery, Asian Cultural Council Celebrates Philippine Culture with New Auction
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León Gallery, a fine arts and antiquity dealer, had their annual auction with the Asian Cultural Council on February 22. The 2025 edition gave collectors and buyers an opportunity to glimpse an increasing variety of rare artworks from some of the country’s most venerated masters of the craft.
The auction preview, which happened on February 18, was opened by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, who is the honorary chairwoman of the Asian Cultural Council Philippines. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Council’s Philippine Fellowship Program that allows their artists to broaden their horizons in their art practice.
“Through your generosity, this program continues to provide grants to Filipino artists, scholars, arts educators, and arts institutions, enabling them to expand their horizons and engage in meaningful cultural exchange in the United States or across Asia,” Ernest L. Escaler, the chairperson of the Asian Cultural Council Philippines, said.
Zóbel and His Influence
The paintings and items auctioned had an air of rarity and prestige to them, with works from some of the most beloved Filipino artists available to buyers—some of them rarely found in other auctions of great artists.
One of the most notable artists to be included in the auction is the works of Fernando Zóbel. His work “Septiembre, a las siete de la tarde, en Tres Juncos,” which was featured in Time Magazine in 1966 and was first given to Rodrigo Lozano, the Mayor of Cuenca, Spain, as a gift.
Its importance in history is that it gave Zóbel the spotlight to become one of the most prominent artists and collectors of the Philippines. His work and continued effect on contemporary art in the country can still be seen with places like the Ateneo Art Gallery’s permanent collection, as well as recent exhibitions like Zóbel: The Future of the Past and A Synergy of Ventures.
Masters and Their Artworks
Another prominent artwork included is Juan Luna’s “Portrait of Irene della Rocca,” an oil painting of the niece of a prominent Italian general. There’s also a distorted photograph of Luna’s painting of “The Death of Cleopatra,” with a dedication to fellow artist F. Rodoreda in the margins.
Other artists like Fernando Amorsolo, José Joya, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, and Ang Kiukok also appear in the auction. Their works were contextualized during the preview to emphasize their importance to Philippine art history as a whole.
A Showcase of History
The Asian Cultural Council auction at León Gallery also places prominence underscoring the long artistic history of the Philippines that goes beyond the painterly masters.
They showcased items like early 20th century wooden bulul figures from Ifugao and an 18th century silver lamp amongst the collection. Among the items sold was a trowel used to lay down the cornerstone of the Rizal Monument in Luneta. There’s also a book filled with cultural journalism from 1877, El Oriente, which contains over 33 issues from January to September of that year, as well as illustrations and images of the Philippines at the time.
The Culture of the Past and the Present
Newer artists were also given prominent spaces during the preview. Works from contemporary hyperrealist abstractionist Demi Padua and Jigger Cruz showcased a sense of physicality and experimentation that expands their own paintings’ outlook outside of the traditional canvas—spilling onto the frames itself.
From this collection, one sees the breadth and variety of culture in the country. And from here on, the Asian Cultural Council hopes to use the proceeds from the auction to expand that history further, giving voice to the next generation of great artists to reshape our history again.
“We are profoundly grateful for the generous help and unwavering support of artists and collectors, whose contributions through the years have been vital to the success of our mission. Your passion and commitment to the arts fuel our shared vision of nurturing creativity and fostering cultural dialogue,” Escaler said in a statement.
Photos by Excel Panlaque.
Related reading: A Rare Tribute to Valor: Kingly Treasures Auction at León Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
The auction featured several “headline” works, most notably Fernando Zóbel’s “Septiembre, a las siete de la tarde, en Tres Juncos.” This 1966 painting was famously featured in Time Magazine that same year and is considered a pivotal work in Zóbel’s career as it coincided with the opening of his Museum of Spanish Abstract Art in Cuenca. Other significant pieces included Juan Luna’s “Portrait of Irene della Rocca” (1884) and Vicente Manansala’s colonial heritage tribute, “Dambana.”
The proceeds directly fund the ACC Philippine Fellowship Program, which enables artists, educators, and curators to pursue research and creative work in the United States and Asia. In 2025, the program benefited nine fellows—including dance artist Maria Patricia Bernas and visual artist Archie Oclos—supporting their training in diverse fields such as dance movement therapy, puppetry, and dramaturgy.
Beyond traditional paintings, the auction featured rare antiquities and historical memorabilia. Notable items included Ifugao bulul figures from the early 20th century, an 18th-century silver lamp, and a book of cultural journalism from 1877 titled El Oriente. One of the most unique historical lots was a trowel once used to lay the cornerstone of the Rizal Monument in Luneta.
The auction provided a platform for both established masters and contemporary experimentalists. While works by National Artists like José Joya, Ang Kiukok, and Anita Magsaysay-Ho anchored the collection, younger artists like Demi Padua and Jigger Cruz were highlighted for their innovative techniques. Their works often explored hyperrealist abstraction and physical experimentation that extended beyond the traditional boundaries of the canvas.
This oil painting is a rare example of Luna’s work in Italy, depicting the niece of a prominent Italian general during a highly productive period of his European career. Its presence in the auction, along with a dedicated, distorted photograph of his famous “The Death of Cleopatra,” offered collectors a rare glimpse into the personal and professional circles Luna navigated while living abroad in the late 19th century.
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