See the works of Miguel Zaragoza, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz at Leon Gallery’s Mid-Year Auction 2021
Miguel Zaragoza's "A Country Lass" and Anita Magsaysay-Ho's "Women with Baskets, Fish, and Crab"
Many of our history books would depict beautiful ladies of the past with all sorts of finery. They're garbed with the best fashion and adorned with jewelry for a dose of sparkle. But what we fail to see then is the raw charm of the women when they're in the countryside. Whether they're the ones dressed elegantly for high tea or the ones that attend to domestic activities, seeing them in nature exudes a dignified aura.
That sense is best depicted in the works of Filipino artists Miguel Zaragoza, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz. In the latest edition of Leon Gallery's Spectacular Mid-Year Auction, their portraits presenting women in the Philippines are unearthed to remind us of the humble allure that comes from the ladies and the countryside.
Miguel Zaragoza is known for his dexterity in rendering form and spontaneous brushstrokes that exude a captivating radiance. His piece dubbed "A Country Lass" was among his entries to the prestigious St. Louis World’s Fair 1904 in Missouri. A remarkable painting, it is the largest known Zaragoza to come to an auction.
Another best depiction of the raw Filipina charm is Anita Magsaysay-Ho's "Women with Baskets, Fish, and Crab." In a story by Lisa Guerrero-Nakpil, the piece is described as "a celebration of Filipino craft, the strength of Filipina women, and the talent and technique of one of the country’s most celebrated painters."
Going a different route but equally sublime is Federico Aguilar Alcuaz's 1984 "Tres Marias." A part of his 1970 series of the same name, the piece is all about the “old Philippines” sophistication with the beauty of the sea and floras in the background. What makes it different from the other artworks in the series is that the women are dressed in modern Spanish colonial time style, a departure from the traditional Filipiniana.
The auction will also showcase other remarkable pieces by Filipino artists. Lauded works by National Artists Ang Kiukok, Jose Joya, Cesar Legaspi, and internationally acclaimed artists Michael Cacnio, Rodel Tapaya, Justin Nuyda, and Romeo Tabuena will also be featured. Exquisite Spanish colonial era wooden sculptures and paintings from The Don Benito J. Legarda, Jr. collection are among the premier items that will adorn this auction’s opulent lots.
These splendid masterpieces are open for viewing from May 29 to June 4, Saturday to Friday at León Gallery, G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legaspi Village, Makati City. For more inquiries, email [email protected] or contact +632 8856 2781. To browse the Spectacular Mid-Year Auction catalogue, visit www.leon-gallery.com.