Art News: A Stunning Anita Magsaysay-Ho Painting is One of the Highlights Salcedo Auctions Upcoming Finer Pursuits Sale

The large work is documented in Alfredo Roces’ monograph In Praise of Women.

The quest of the ideal inspires Salcedo Auctions upcoming Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art & Rare Collectibles live and online auction.

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According to the auction house, the June 25 event has over 100 exceptional works that express and showcase everything from idyllic worlds to social messages to artisanal and horological craftsmanship.

“Untitled” (1969), by BenCab

One highlight is a large and stunning Anita Magsaysay-Ho painting documented in Alfredo Roces’ monograph In Praise of Women.

In her practice, Magsaysay-Ho illustrates women quietly carrying out domestic tasks such as winnowing, selling wares, or looking after livestock. With their eyes half-closed and smiling lips, they embody a secret sort of contentment and fulfillment in these idyllic worlds they share with other women. 

“Reclining Figure” (2002), by Ang Kiukok

There is also a rare and important 1969 mixed media oeuvre from National Artist BenCab’s ‘Scavenger’ series from the artist’s acclaimed London period.

Referred to as the Scavenger series, BenCab’s exceedingly rare and formidable works bear the archetypal qualities of his Sabel and Larawan series: rumpled swathes of fabric covering dynamic figures, and sharp divisions in the forms and tonalities of the background.

“Evening Meal on a Raft House” (1993), by Fernando Amorsolo

A powerful and iconic Ang Kiukok dated 2002 from a renowned Asian collection as well as a 1933 oil on canvas fisherman’s family scene by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo are also in the mix. 

An 18th century gargoyle Dinemonyo altar table in balayong will also go under the hammer. Colloquially known as dinemonyo table, this is one of the most elusive pieces of early Hispano-Filipino furniture.

18th Century Dinemonyo Table

Watch collectors will happily note the auction’s lineup of timepieces, the pièce de résistance being the rare and collectable vintage Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red” Sigma Dial, 37mm, Circa 1979.

Other important Philippine artworks to look forward to in the auction include National Artist J. Elizalde Navarro’s much-exhibited and published The Red Kimono, Tokyo from 1965; Ramon Orlina’s impressive Flight to the New Frontiers, 2001, from the collection of the Tower Club; and National Artist Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco’s 1960s Untitled (Battle of Mactan) watercolor, featured in the artist’s monograph and authenticated by his apprentice Salvador Juban.

Vintage Cosmograph Daytona “Big Red” Sigma Dial Reference no. 6265, 37mm, Serial No. 6223745, Circa 1979

There is also a 1967 acrylic titled Objects VII by Roberto Chabet with its original Luz Gallery label; a 1982 Malang gouache; and a pastoral monochromatic watercolor by National Artist Vicente Manansala from 1971 showing his supremacy in the medium. 

The Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art & Rare Collectibles live and online auction will take place online on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 2PM. Register to bid and browse the catalog at salcedoauctions.com.

Banner: “Women Fishing” (1971), by Anita Magsaysay-Ho

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