JUAN LUNA Y NOVICIO (Filipino, 1857-1899). LA BURLA, signed and dated 1882 lower right. Oil on canvas - Framed, 20 in. x 12 in. Estimate $75,000-125,000
NOTE: Juan Luna y Novicio was the first recognized Philippine artist. He painted literary and historical scenes. He won the gold medal in the 1884 Madrid Exposición National de Bellas Artes. He was the first recipient of the three gold medals awarded in the exhibition. " With its elements of Romanticism, his style shows the influence of Delacroix, Rambrandt and Daumier". He was praised in a speech for "glorification of genius and the grandeur of his artistic skills". This painting might be inspired by the Dickens "Oliver Twist" which speaks elonquently of his sophostication and cultural tastes he developed while working in the artistic ambience of Europe.
PROVENANCE: Property of a Maryland gentleman. Acquired in Madrid at Durán Auction in1983. ABC newspaper photocopy of the article "Mercado del Arte" accompanies the lot. The previous owner was Don Rogelio Pérez Olivares, publisher and director of the magazine "Mundial Revista Grafica". He acquired most of his collection from the painters and particularly the then prestigious Galeria Vilches, between1906 and 1925.
Unlined; minor suface dirt and debris. Small pinhole middle, left edge of canvas. Slight stretcher bar strain across center of canvas and fine craquelure upper right corner.
