PROPERTY FROM THE BENITO J. LEGARDA JR. COLLECTION

ABOUT THE WORK

While silver altar frontals have been widely published, fully-carved wooden ones like this are less-known. This impressive piece is carved from one full plank. The carving is crisp and deep, with roses and other appliqued forms standing out in high relief. The polychromy is especially vivid. The central motif is the simplest of the known monograms of the Virgin . Other later monograms depict the letters R (for Regina) and A ( for Angelorum) interlinked with the central M. This monogram is known as the Auspice Maria (Under the auspices of Mary) , an intertwined A and M, topped by the crown of the Queen of Heaven. Three cherubs are also seen, an allusion to another popular Marian title. The frontal would have possibly graced a side or transept altar dedicated to the Virgin. The Legarda collection of ecclesiastical art also has many other details and fragments from altars and churches. Among the collector’s many interests was Philippine Church architecture . He was known to have written several essays on the subject. This frontal may well have been his prize among the many altar details he collected. Unfortunately, no collection notes exist to point to the origin of this spectacular frontal. - by Floy Quintos