Hidalgo painting is highlight of auction
THE HIGHLIGHT of Salcedo Auctions’ annual “The Well-Appointed Life” sale is the 1900 oil on canvas seascape by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo titled Marina. The piece features sunlight breaking from behind the clouds, as if depicting the calm after a storm.
Marina is included among the “Important Philippine Art” section of the auction, the other being the “Connoisseur Collection” of rare and valuable collectibles. Carrying the theme: “The Worlds We Create,” the sale will be held on Sept. 18, 2 p.m., at NEX Tower sale room and simultaneously online.
“In these times of uncertainty, people who have the capacity to invest are looking for stability,” Salcedo Auctions director Richie Lerma told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “The pieces offered in The Well-Appointed Life have enduring and still increasing value. [That,] coupled with the assurance that these are backed by the Salcedo name, are very attractive to discerning buyers.”
MARINA’S PROVENANCE
In the notes on the Salcedo Auctions website, Marina is described as an “‘everyday scenery’ of waves crashing onto craggy rocks along a coastline, a seascape that fuses together the sky and ocean….”
“Based on research, the painting depicts the sharp, craggy coastline of Brittany (in France). The attached photo in fact almost mirrors the coastline and the colors of the painting,” said Mr. Lerma. “Hidalgo has other works from the area from the time Marina was painted. It is also worth noting that the painters of the time were drawn to Brittany for inspiration.”
Through the auction house’s research of the piece’s provenance, it was found that the painting was purchased by Madame Maria Luisa Gálatas Vallejo from the French auctioneer Feuardent Frères as stated in a 1926 invoice written in French. Madame Vallejo owned the painting until 1958. Then, a new owner from the Saurin family had possession of Marina until it was sold to its present owner at an auction in Barcelona, Spain in 2020.
MORE PHILIPPINE ART AND FURNITURE
Also on sale are several works by National Artists for Visual Arts: a 1975 oil on canvas by H.R. Ocampo titled Excursion to Pinaglabanan which is a tribute to Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and the Katipunan militia’s successful capture of a Spanish military base; a 1966 oil on wood by Jose Joya titled Blue Harbor; a 1962 oil on canvas Last Supper by Carlos “Botong” Francisco which is certified by the National Museum; a 1955 oil on canvas by Fernando Amorsolo titled Lavanderas; and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s Autumnal Flowers from 1962.
Aside from all the art, furniture is also up for bid in the auction. These include a 1956 Charles and Ray Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman; the Irving Harper for George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa; an inlaid four-post comoda made of narra and kamagong by a Pampanga master furniture maker.
There are also religious items: a rare 20th century sacristy altar cabinet, a 19th century Crucifixion tableau in a virina and arch, and a serene 18th century ivory image of the Crucified Christ.
AUCTIONS DURING LOCKDOWNS
The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and the lockdowns imposed in trying to contain it have not held Salcedo Auctions back.
“We have seen more new clients joining our auctions, which have increased in frequency since the start of the pandemic.” said Mr. Lerma. “It is also heartening to see our long-time, more senior bidders finally embracing technology and participating online.
“They trust Salcedo and our custom-built online bidding platform, so they know their transactions are safe, secure, and trustworthy,” he added.
Only 50 people will be allowed to participate on-site during auction day, though this may change as the event will be guided by the government quarantine protocols in place at the time.
Those interested to attend the auction online can register at the Salcedo Auctions website. They will be sent a Zoom link to view the sale.
The online catalogue as well as the bid registration and venue of the online auction can be accessed via salcedoauctions.com. For inquiries, send an e-mail to info@salcedoauctions.com or call 8823-0956 or 0917-107-5581.
Limited in-person viewing is allowed daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Sept 17. To schedule a visit to the space, contact Kristine at 0917-591-2191. Salcedo Auctions is located at NEX Tower, Ayala Ave., Makati City. Health and safety protocols must strictly be adhered to when visiting. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman
