Jose Rizal (1861–1896), ‘Elevation of the Facade of Rizal’s Academy,’ signed “J. Rizal 16 de Marzo” (lower right), 1892, Hong Kong, pen and ink on paper with metric measurements, 23” x 17 ¼” (58 x 44 cm)
This Magnificent September Auction 2025 continues León Gallery Fine Arts & Antiques’ 15th anniversary celebration by paying homage to the Filipino spirit across eras of Philippine heritage.
The auction house will present two extraordinary works by National Hero Dr. José Rizal, the foremost intellectual of his time: a rare first-edition Noli Me Tangere, with a personal dedication to his fellow ilustrado and Filipinista, Don Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera. The second is Rizal’s architectural plan for his dream academy, envisioned to holistically mold the minds and bodies of future educators.
Felix Resurrección Hidalgo (1855–1913), ‘A Native House in a River Glade,’ signed, dated, and inscribed “Mayo 1877” (lower left), oil on canvas, 19 by 10 ¾” (48 x 27 cm)
Félix Resurrección Hidalgo (1855–1913), ‘Untitled (Venus and the Swan),’ ca. 1880s, oil on canvas, 79 x 51 1/4″ (200 x 130 cm); acquired from the late Dr. Eleuterio ‘Teyet’ Pascual by the present owner
From another ilustrado, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, come two works that represent distinct spectrums of his career: A Native House in a River Glade, an elusive piece from his rare Philippine Period, and a portrait of Venus, painted during his prolific years and once part of the collection of scholar and art collector Dr. Eleuterio “Teyet” Pascual.
Fernando Amorsolo (1892–1972), ‘Water Carrier,’ signed and dated 1938 (lower right), oil on canvas, 17 1/2 x 13″ (44 x 33 cm); acquired directly from the artist by Kate Bigelow-Montague, wife of Guy Judson Montague
Anita Magsaysay-Ho (1914–2012), ‘Pounding Rice,’ 1947, tempera on board, 23 x 171/4″ (58 x 44 cm), acquired directly from the artist
Fernando Amorsolo’s romantic countryside is seen in Water Carrier, formerly owned by American mining magnate Guy Judson Montague and his wife, Kate Bigelow. Anita Magsaysay-Ho is represented in Pounding Rice, her second painting in egg tempera and where she discovered her distinct modernist style and began painting women deliberately.
Vicente Manansala (1910–1981), ‘Family,’ signed and dated 1975 (upper left), oil on canvas, 41 x 36″ (104 x 91 cm); artist’s personal collection, and acquired directly from the artist
Vicente Manansala’s leather bag during his Parisian sojourn (1950–1951), leather valise (engraved with ‘Vicente S. Manansala’) with lock and key, containing ephemera and sketches
Vicente Manansala, who exalted the virtues of simple folk, is represented by Family, his Filipino version of the Holy Family. Also featured is his leather bag containing important ephemera from his Paris scholarship in the 1950s.
Nena Saguil (1924–1994) a) ‘Portrait of a Young Woman,’ signed and dated 1950 (lower right), oil on canvas, 7 ½ x 6 1/2″ (19 x 17 cm) ; b) ‘Portrait of a Young Man as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,’ signed and dated 1950 (lower right), oil on canvas, 7 1/2 x 6 1/2″ (19 x 17 cm)
Fernando Zóbel (1924–1984), ‘La Vista X,’ signed, dated 1974 (lower left and verso), and inscribed ‘La Vista. Division en tres, con eje alto. Finales de invierno. Cuenca, 13 de Julio 1974’ (lower left), oil on canvas, 16 x 16″ (40 x 40 cm)
Also uncovered are the secrets of Nena Saguil, through two petite works that hint at her personal relationships and prejudices. Fernando Zóbel’s La Vista X—one of his most exhibited works—comes to auction fresh from its presentation at the landmark Museo del Prado retrospective.
Butuan dagger with gold hilt, 10th–13th century, Butuan, Northeastern Mindanao, iron blade with gold sheet, wire filigree, and granulation over a clay core ; total length: 13 1/4″ (34 cm)
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, 18k yellow gold watch with engraved signature of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos on the back of the case
Steinway & Sons, Steinway Hamburg grand piano (1911) ca. 1976
From Philippine pre-colonial ancestors, a Butuan gagger with a gold hilt marks a significant chapter in rediscovering early civilization. Two artifacts highlight pivotal periods of modern history: a Rolex Day Date watch engraved with the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos, and a Steinway Hamburg Grand Piano specially acquired for the 1976 inauguration of the Philippine Plaza Hotel, once the “Grande Dame of Philippine Hotels.”
León Gallery welcomes you to another chapter celebrating the ingenuity, resilience, and triumph of the Filipino spirit, and remains grateful for your continued support in championing Filipino heritage.
The Magnificent September Auction 2025 is on Sept. 13, 2 PM, Saturday at León Gallery, G/F Eurovilla I, V.A. Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
