Artwork from 13 National Artists up for bidding in Salcedo Auctions' event 'The Well Appointed Life'

Salcedo Auctions is returning to host its eighth edition of "The Well-Appointed Life," which will feature exceptional artwork from 13 of the country’s 17 National Artists for Visual Arts.

Being the Philippines' leading auction house specializing in fine arts and collectibles, Salcedo Auctions' marquee event serves as a trusted venue for the country's art enthusiasts.

Collectors can expect to see masterful pieces from the likes of Vicente Manansala, Ang Kiukok, Fernando Zobel, Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera, and Oscar Zalameda.

Vicente Manansala and Oscar Zalameda

Vicente Manansala was known to often use everyday life of urban and rural people as subjects of his paintings, depicting Filipino culture through the art form of Neo-Realism and Cubism.

Fans of Manansala's paintings have a rare opportunity to acquire one of his beautiful artworks depicting vendors, which boasts the artist's striking yet tender visual prowess.

Much like Manansala, Zalameda's works also often revolve around the quintessential Philippine scenery, featuring colorful interpretations of vendors and fishermen and church, fiesta, and barrio scenes in his pieces.

At Salcedo Auctions, Zalameda can bring a festive mood into your home with his untitled fiesta-themed canvas. Standing at 63 1/2 x 119 inches, it is the largest work by the artist remaining in private hands and the biggest piece to be offered at an auction to date.

Ang Kiukok

Before passing away in 2005, Kiukok received the privilege of being named as a National Artist in 2001 by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It's no wonder, as his striking and exceptional portrayal of disturbing concepts through Cubism and Expressionism have made him a vital figure in the art scene. 

So for those who are fascinated with his oil and watercolor pieces, you can look forward to acquiring his early works "Bananas #3" and "Bananas #4" that were once owned by former Central Intelligence Agency agent, USAID director, diplomat and published author Rufus Phillips. These paintings provide a unique glimpse into Kiukok's works as a budding artist.

Fernando Amorsolo

Another key masterpiece in the auction is Fernando Amorsolo's "The Burning of Manila," an oil on board that gives spotlight to a scene of a ravaged capital during the war period in the Philippines.

Known as the first to be recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines, Amorsolo frequently paints rural landscapes in the country and had gained prominence for his mastery in the use of light.

Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo

The works of rivals Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo are also up for grabs in the auction for collectors who want to marvel at their artistry in their own abode. It features Luna's "Reclining Warrior", a watercolor painting that he made around 1887, and Hidalgo's "Tempestad Nocturna," an oil on canvas depicting violent movement of waves in a stormy ocean.

Being an influential political activist, Luna's dynamic and unique style is defined by his paintings of high visual impact that focus on Romanticism and Realism, as evidenced by one of his most popular works, Spoliarium. Meanwhile, Hidalgo's acclaimed art style concentrates on oil, watercolor, pastels, and charcoal pieces depicting landscapes and seascapes.

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