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

Literature: Roces, Alfredo, AMORSOLO, Filipinas Foundation, Inc.,Manila, 1975, p.167 (illustrated)

ABOUT THE WORK

This small painting, titled “Salambao” and dated 1938, formerly in the Luis Araneta collection, is a night scene. The place, as named by Amorsolo beneath his signature, is ‘Baklaran', when the shallows off Paranaque were just beginning to be filled with fish pens. Enterprising fishermen would venture out in still nights when there was no full moon. They would light makeshift lantern fitted with lenses, and wield the salambao or net attached to the bamboo arch. Amorsolo, fascinated with light and its depiction, must have found himself challenged. Other artists, including Teodoro Buenaventura, found themselves trying to paint a similar night scene; only a few could measure up to Amorsolo. -Ramon N. Villegas