Provenance: Private collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

This rare photograph of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo at his easel in his studio is unusual for two reasons: first, it reveals Hidalgo’s process for large-scale masterpieces, and second, provides a rare behind-the-scenes look of his personal life. Could this be an elusive glimpse of his model and constant muse, Maria Yrritia? She sits perched on a chair, waiting patiently beside him, book in hand, and a pet dog at her feet. A porcelain umbrella stand does double-duty to contain Hidalgo’s paint brushes, a tumble of sheets or canvases is at the bottom of a tall staircase with more than 12 steps. Hidalgo sits poised, seemingly in mid-air, carrying an enormous palette and a long paintbrush. Alas, only the faint outlines of the painting-in-progress can be seen. The photograph does not appear to have been commercially produced as in the carte-visite in the previous lot, but a special print by the photographer. Hidalgo was known to be an early adaptor for photography and he may have counted the mysterious Paul as one of his comrades in the new obsession. (Lisa Guerrero Nakpil)