In celebration of Museums and Galleries Month this October, León Gallery opens its doors to the art-loving public with the 29th iteration of its Leon Exchange Online Auction.
The auction features a wide range of artworks, antiques, heirlooms, and religious artifacts. These include an exquisite 1877 mother-of-pearl painting by the 19th-century Filipino artist and naturalist Regino Garcia y Baza, made sometime between his stint as the chief gardener of the Jardín Botánico (from 1866 to 1877) and his post as an assistant at the Spanish Forestry Bureau (which he assumed from 1877 to 1898).
There are also works by foremost Filipino modernists, such as Jose Joya’s beautiful ode to Mindanaoan culture, his 1982 work "Kulintang," and two early works by Angelito Antonio.
Paintings by leading contemporary artists include a rare collaboration between two social realists, Emmanuel Garibay and Rene Robles, and early works by Ronald Ventura.
Michael Cacnio's sculptures also grace this auction, led by an endearing collaboration with his father, the late great Angel Cacnio, and a joint effort with the eminent Mauro “Malang” Santos.
Works by foreign masters Arie Smit and LeRoy Neiman are also present, encapsulating Leon Exchange's commitment to bringing global art to the Filipino audience.
Also on offer are four lots of 18th to 19th-century Philippine barrillas, once Manila’s loose change and are now coveted for their historical significance and rarity (only a limited number of these coins were circulated).
This auction also has valuable antiques, heirlooms, and religious artifacts. Standing at 15 feet tall, a monumental pair of 19th-century church doors stand as silent witnesses to the Filipino faith during the Spanish colonial period. Processional andas and carrozas converted into dining tables are coveted for their unique functionality.
It’s going to be two days’ worth of virtual treasure hunting.
Day 1 (October 21): “The Collector’s Vault” features watches, jewelry, drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures, and art collectibles
Day 2 (October 22): “Heiresses’ Homes and Tables” highlights heirloom furniture, religious art, silver, tableware, chinoiserie, ephemera, and various decors.
León Exchange 29th Online Auction is happening on October 21 and 22, Saturday and Sunday. Bidding will commence on the León Exchange platform at exactly 11 a.m.
Catch a preview of these lots from October 14 to 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Warehouse 14, La Fuerza Compound, Don Chino Roces Avenue, Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City. To browse the León Exchange 29th Online Auction catalog, visit https://leon-gallery.com. 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 and relevant posts, follow León Exchange on Instagram @leonexchangeauctions.
All photos courtesy of Leon Gallery