This July 16 to 18 is the 20th edition of León Gallery’s León Exchange Online Auction. It is billed as the biggest León Exchange to date. Art pieces include works by celebrated National Artists along with antiquities that speak of Manila’s old world.
Among the masterpieces from The Philippines’ beloved artists, there is “Pageant of Commerce” by Carlos V. Francisco. It depicts the history of Philippine trade, from early economic relations with the Chinese and the Arabs to the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade and the development of modern industries in business, travel, and communication.
The “Portrait of ‘E’” by Jerry Elizalde Navarro showcased the artists’ distinct pointillism that showed Navarro’s physical and emotional connection to his lover, Emma Villanueva, that made him leave his wife and their children back then.
Pieces by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, whose works swept everyone with his strikingly original experimentations with Cubism, will be part of the auction. There will also be works by Benedicto Cabrera that present the artist’s passion for nude art and printmaking.
Another featured artwork is by Graciano T. Nepomuceno and his sculpture of “The Last Supper. ” It utterly showcases how Nepomuceno, when it comes to direct carving, stood out almost alone, stemming from his experience as an apprentice of Ciriaco Arevalo.
Manila’s old world
For those who have an eye for antiquities, León Gallery is pleased to feature pieces from the Benito J. Legarda Sr. collection. The economist and historian’s selection of artworks, vintage prints, trinkets, and furniture tell the story of our country’s past. This includes a pre-war Nuguid bedroom suite, a pair of Art Deco bed frames, and a mid-twentieth century dining table.
A photo of Dr. Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna during a fencing match
True history buffs will find delight in the photograph of Antonia Luna and Dr. Jose Rizal while on their fencing match. There is also a solo photograph of Jose Rizal that evidently shows his underlying charisma and machismo during his European life.
Handwoven Persian and Turkish carpets, as well as historical maps of the old world, are also among the other savory lots served that will give anyone’s home that lavish and vintage feel of the old times – serving that old soul persona within you.
Included in the impressive selection of lots is the massive collection of books from Manahan’s Library of Curiosities featuring hard-to-find Filipiniana, references for science and antiquities, coffee table books, and various art-centered monographs that one shouldn’t miss. Hardbound copies of Newsweek, Time, Readers’ Digest, and National Geographic are also part of this array of publications that will fit perfectly in the library of a bibliophile and bookworm.
These heirloom masterpieces are open for viewing from July 12 – 15, 2021, Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 7 PM at Leon Gallery, G/F Eurovilla I, Legazpi corner Rufino Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati, and so is at Leon Gallery, Warehouse 14, La Fuerza Compound Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.
For further inquiries, email info@leon-gallery.com or contact +632 8856 2781/+639985172010. All bidding will be online at www.leonexchange.com. For updates, follow León Gallery on their social media pages: Facebook www.facebook.com/leongallerymakati and Instagram @leongallerymakati.