Provenance: Private Collection, USA

ABOUT THE WORK

A genre work portraying occupational activity, it contains numerous human figures in a group. His vision is one of a gentle rural idyll in which a sense of innocence reigns. The barrioscape is a sea change for Ancheta, who in the pre-war years was known for the architectural monuments and magnificent ruins in which he specialized. Yet the two barrio figures who are distant from each other have the almost architectonic balance (Ancheta is famous for his depictions of old buildings) and calm grandeur of gesture that give Ancheta's work a characteristic austere serenity. The cool deep greens of the palm trees and the ochre browns of the road along with the summery blue sky stand out against the shadows of the lilac-colored bougainvilleas near the foreground. The painting affirms Ancheta’s distinction as a consummate Realist. Many of Ancheta’s scenes are set in a ruin-filled, turn of the century era Intramuros, yet he made forays into the rural outdoors. His rural pictures, with all their objectivity, revealed a warmth and leisureliness of feeling not always present in his scenes of the walled city. The arch formed by the blossoms of the fire tree dominates, but does not overwhelm the landscape. And this painting of the dramatic scenery of a faraway provincial valley catches the clear air and vast distances, the primeval, virginal quality of this still, unspoilt land.