Leon Gallery wishes to thank Christian M. Aguilar for confirming the authenticity of this lot

Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

Starting from the late 1970s, National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz painted his Tres Marias series, using expressionistic brushstrokes as he depicts lyrical scenes of women. The hotel staff and waitresses in Manila Hilton became his models. Alcuaz would also go beyond depicting three beautiful female figures, visually articulating their gestures and poses and defining the laidback space they inhibit. This masterpiece showcases his sophisticated approach to portraiture as he captured the beauty, charm, and grace of his women subjects. Somber colors are used yet a certain glow is evoked with his play of light and shadow. Alcuaz’s women appear relaxed, rendered with his assured brushstrokes, refined figurative style, and sense of color that sets the overall mood. Here, one also sees the master artist’s compositional playfulness toward his artistry