Leon Gallery wishes to thank Mrs. Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo for confirming the authenticity of this lot

Literature: The Philippine Free Press, Titled “The Daughter of the Rajah”, the property of Mrs. Maurice Kahn. December 7, 1937, Page 37. Black and white plate.

ABOUT THE WORK

This Amorsolo painting has a more historical approach. A high-born lady is assisted in her toilette by an attendant who is toweling her hair. The lady’s high social status is signified by her being clad in a skirt of red, the most expensive of cloths. She wears three armlets of gold, large barter rings adorn her ears. The pre-Hispanic setting is emphasized by the large brown jar in the background, and the cobalt blue jar with kala mask ears in the foreground. The latter is highly valued particularly in the Cordilleras, where it was used to store wine. Beside her is a wooden chest, overflowing with fine cloth, gold and a long string of pearls; the key lies near her left elbow, beside a large celadon dish and a round porcelain-covered box. Surely, Amorsolo must have researched to be able to at least depict the objects; Juan Luna collected antiquities himself, as we see in photographs of his studio. In his lifetime, Amorsolo’s work was sought by local and expatriate collectors, because his paintings represented the best and most memorable aspects of Philippine life. -Ramon N. Villegas