Celebrating History: Casa De Memoria’s First Auction of 2022 Curates Filipino and European Lots Dating Back to the 16th Century

Here are the highlight lots of the April 30 auction.

For their first auction of 2022, Casa de Memoria has curated Filipino and European art and antiquities—some dating back to the 16th century. They are the only auction house in the country specializing in European antiquities, paintings, and objet d’arts (art objects).

“As we come back to the things we love, like going to exhibits and the theater, we at The Casa put together a selection of what we are known for, European and Spanish pieces that make a difference in one’s home,” Casa de Memoria’s general manager Camille Lhuiller-Albani says.

“Nuestra Senora del Carmen” from late 17th century Spain / An oil painting from Spain’s Madrilena school.

“For the last two years, we have been home-bound, and now you have the opportunity to attend an auction, have lunch at our restaurants, and tour our grounds.”

Casa de Memoria is the auction arm of Paranaque’s Palacio de Memoria—a restored pre-war mansion that holds history in its 7-stories. From retired airplanes decorating its lawns to its halls decorated with its open-to-the-public art exhibitions, it’s a way Albani says they preserve the past.

Isabellina Period Oval Mirror from 19th century Spain. / A carved and glided wooden frame in Neoclassical style, from the period of Queen Isabel II of Spain (1833 to 1868).

Preserving history

“We see ourselves as caretakers of history, and our auctions provide new residences for these pieces,” Albani adds. “This auction comes at a time [when] we continue to celebrate 500 years of the arrival of Spain, making the Philippines the trading hub from Asia to Europe.

Louis XV “Vendure” Aubusson Tapestry from 18th century France. / Made of wool by the Aubusson workshops of the Louis XV period (1710 to 1774).

Auction house curator Miguel Rosales selected the 222 lots that exemplify the design principles of a given period.

Some highlights include Iloilo artist Romeo Tabuena’s artist sketchbook (bids start at P150,000), a wool tapestry made in the workshops of France’s Louis XV’s reign (bids start at P320,000), and an intricate mirror from the period of Spain’s Queen Isabel II (bids start at P80,000).

Iloilo artist Romeo Tabuena’s (1921 to 2015) artist sketchbook containing 66 drawings and his signature.

Better with age

Of course, with lots’ age, some may consider a crack in painting damage—but collectors can see wear and tear as added character.

For instance, a painting from 16th century Spain titled “The Visitation” is seen with patterns of hairline cracks. According to Gio Caliguia, Casa de Memoria senior researcher, canvas contracts and expands depending on the humidity and temperature of its environment.

“The Visitation” from 16th century Spain / Bidding starts at P180,000

When the wood, the canvas material, expands, the paint stays in place, eventually getting warped.

To preview all the Asian and European pieces up for bids, Casa de Memoria is open for cocktails on April 21, starting at 6 PM. The live auction will commence on April 30 at 2 PM.

For more information, you can visit Casa de Memoria’s auction event page here or follow @thecasamemoria on Facebook and @casadememoria on Instagram.

Images courtesy of Casa de Memoria.