British photographer Albert Honiss was a pioneering lensman in Manila, known for ‘carte de visites’ and “aesthetic photography” of the ordinary Filipino. This appears to be a commissioned work by a certain Ricardo, featuring Spanish soldiers or workmen and dedicated to Manuel Regidor and his wife Antonia. The photograph is interesting for its portrayal of the Filipino indio, in marked contrast to the European splendor of Don Pedro Paterno. They carry the implements of their trade; one has a long bolo tucked into his belt, a carrying-box strapped to his back. They have straw hats with some kind of identification on the ribbons.
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Albert Honiss (d. 1874)
A European Crew with Two Indios With a dry seal engraving “A. Honiss, Manila” Dedicated on the reverse, “Para mis queridos hermanos Manuel y Antonia en prueba del carino que las profes su amante hermano”
and signed “Ricardo”.
SOLD: PHP 64,240
Provenance:
Don Pedro Alejandro Paterno (1857– 1911) and
Doña Luisa Piñeyro de Lugo y Merino (Sra. de Paterno, d. 1897)