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Salcedo Auctions achieves world record after BenCab painting sells at P11 million. Here are the other pieces that sold big

By John Patrick Magno Ranara Published Dec 05, 2023 2:30 pm

Some rare and valuable items were sold for astonishing prices at Salcedo Auction’s recently concluded year-end sale, including Benedicto Cabrera or BenCab’s ‘Subway Madonna,' Napoleon Abueva's 12-seater bench, and more.

The Philippines' premier auction house wrapped up its “Under The Tree: The Wish List” sale on Dec. 2 and delivered the fine art sector's highest auction clearance rate this year, the highlight being BenCab’s Subway Madonna painting.

The artwork, which was previously owned by award-winning actress Glenda Jackson, was sold at P11,096,000. This is several times more than its estimated worth of P2,400,000-P3,000,000, making it the highest price, based on size, for any work by the National Artist sold at an auction. 

Another shining star in the auction was the 12-seater bench by Abueva. The wooden masterpiece, which was crafted in the same year he gained the National Artist Award for Sculpture in 1976, was purchased at P3,036,800.

Paintings and sculptures are not the only ones that sold big at the auction. A Cartier Panthère watch that’s encrusted with luxurious diamonds in 18k gold fetched at nearly P2,000,000. 

Other artworks that caught the attention of collectors include the Tres Marias painting by National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (sold for P1,635,200) and Vicente Manansala's untitled watercolor painting (sold for P2,102,400).

Constancio Bernardo’s July and Mauro Malang Santos’ Vendors were meanwhile purchased for P443,840 and P3,854,400 respectively. 

'July' by Constancio Bernardo

'Vendors' by Mauro Malang Santos

'Tres Marias series' by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz

Untitled watercolor painting by Vicente Manasala

'July' by Constancio Bernardo

'Vendors' by Mauro Malang Santos

'Tres Marias series' by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz

Untitled watercolor painting by Vicente Manasala

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Under The Tree: The Wish List is Salcedo Auctions’ annual year-end sale that puts the spotlight on important Philippine art, meticulously crafted furniture, a luxurious array of jewelry and timepieces, and more.