by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 28, 2021 | Art and Science
Encounters with family and friends, peppered with lovely conversations about everything and nothing, are some of the things we sorely miss in our isolation due to the pandemic. Now that restrictions are beginning to loosen up, and everyone is in the mood to catch up and be in the company of good friends, it would be nice to go back to the old rituals of casual get-togethers where engaging conversations can last up to the wee hours of the night.
Evocative paintings, rare furniture, and art pieces at Casa de Memoria’s Tercero auction make great conversation starters
There is no reason to run out of things to talk about, especially if your home is decorated with art pieces that are sure to catch the eye of raconteurs and amateur critics. At Casa de Memoria’s Tercero auction, ongoing until July 31, bidders can look forward to an amazing selection of paintings, iconic furniture, and art pieces that can serve as conversation starters to get everyone in a jovial mood.
The Lhuillier-managed auction house has once again outdone itself in putting together an exquisite showcase of decorative vintage items that can spark riveting stories and serve their purpose of elevating the overall décor and ambiance of one’s home.
Paintings
Lithography by the renowned artist Fernando Zobel
Untitled hyperrealist empty rocks glass oil painting by Portuguese artist Teresa Dias Coelho
For instance, the untitled hyperrealist oil painting on canvas depicting an empty rocks glass by Portuguese artist Teresa Dias Coelho (Lot 90, starting price ₱80,000) can trigger the discussion: what could have inspired this artist to spend hours recreating an empty glass against a monochrome yellow background? The piece simply screams emptiness and nostalgia – two interesting subjects guests can endlessly discuss.
Another interesting artwork that can spark a lively interaction is a similarly untitled artwork, this time lithography by the renowned artist Fernando Zobel (Lot 52, ₱40,000).
A 20th-century oil-on-canvas depiction of floating lemons by the sea titled “Bodegón Onírico Junto al Mar” by Spanish painter Martin Zerolo
A surrealist still life of lemons floating in mid-air by the sea is likewise an unlikely subject that’s depicted in “Bodegón Onírico Junto al Mar,” a 20th century oil-on-canvas piece by Spanish painter Martin Zerolo (1928-2003).
Furniture
A 19th-century Portuguese mahogany fauteuil in Louis XV style upholstered by stylist Monchet Olives
An early 20th-century Spanish barber’s armchair by Daniel Acha
A mid-20th century European pop “lips” style chair
From paintings, the conversation can easily move on to interesting furniture pieces. And what could be more interesting than a bloody-red lip-shaped chair? Tercero’s mid-20th century European pop “lips” style chair (Lot 61, ₱15,000) is most likely inspired by the inimitable Salvador Dali’s sensational 1938 “Mae West Lips Sofa” and will certainly make guests wonder whether one could/should actually sit on such a fascinating piece of furniture.
The stories can take a “kwentong barbero” turn with a fascinating pair of early 20th century Spanish barber’s armchairs by Daniel Acha (Lot 1, ₱160,000) which feature reclining seats made of cast iron, wood, and white porcelain, with soliya seats and backrests.
Meanwhile, a piece of furniture that guests can ‘critique’ while reposing, perhaps with a drink in hand, is the stylish pair of 19th-century Portuguese mahogany fauteuils in Louis XV style(Lot 63, ₱40,000) upholstered with toile settees by stylist Monchet Olives. This is surely an inviting space for you and your friends to settle in and catch up.
Ceramics
A 20th-century Italian gilt-ceramic lamp with Peony Motif refreshed by Michelle Lao of Solano
A 20th-century Italian gilt-ceramic lamp with Oriental Male Figure refreshed by Michelle Lao of Solano
A late 20th-century Portuguese porcelain octagonal armorial plates by Vista Alegre Royal Factory
One can literally light up the room with the enchanting 20th-century Italian gilt-ceramic lamps by Artepiu Ceramiche d’Este that have been refreshed by Michelle Lao of Solano, such as “Artepiu Este” Gilt Ceramic Lamps with Peony Motif (Lot 34, ₱25,000) and an Oriental Male Figure (Lot 36, ₱20,000). The magical glow cast by these pieces can make for mesmerizing late-night conversations.
Are your guests fans of antique Chinese porcelains, the reign of emperors, and courtly splendors? A pair of late 20th century Portuguese porcelain octagonal armorial plates (Lot 79, ₱40,000) by Vista Alegre Royal Factory will most probably spark their interest. The twin plates, market “Mottahedeh,” depict coats of arms from the Ch’ien Lung period.
There are more fascinating and splendid pieces aside from the above — from chandeliers and porcelains to artworks and antique colorful fabrics — that will be up for auction. The other good news is, if you take home an auction piece from Tercero, you will be supporting a worthwhile cause as Casa de Memoria will donate part of the auction proceeds to a local charitable institution to help those badly affected by the pandemic.
The auction preview is ongoing until July 30, 2021. You may set an appointment to view the items in person at he***@***********ia.com. To explore the auction pieces online, visit bit.ly/CasaDeMemoriaOnline. For more information, visit www.casadememoria.com, call 8253-3994 or e-mail he***@***********ia.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 21, 2020 | Advocacy
Casa de Memoria reached out to the victims of Typhoon Ulysses by helping raise funds for the #RisePH donation drive. The Lhuillier-managed auction house also continued its charity efforts for COVID-19 patients and frontliners by donating a part of the proceeds to the maintenance of the emergency quarantine facility in Sta. Ana Hospital.
To help Typhoon Ulysses victims, Casa de Memoria’s donation will be used to provide relief packs containing food, water, and hygiene essentials for affected families.
Camille Lhuillier
“Just when we thought we’ve already had enough challenges this year, another one comes along. However, this should not bring us down; rather, it should fuel our intention and dedication to lend a hand to those who need it. By helping each other, we can rise together without leaving anyone behind,” said Palacio de Memoria general manager Camille Lhuillier.
The Cuarto auction was Casa de Memoria’s fourth and final major auction event for the year. It featured exquisite Filipino and European art pieces that can be used as Holiday gifts and home décor.
For more information, visit www.casadememoria.com or follow @thecasadememoria on Facebook and @casadememoria on Instagram.
The #RisePH donation was done in partnership with One Mega Group.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 10, 2020 | Business
Palacio de Memoria has recently expanded its unrivaled curated collection of Euro-Filipino art pieces in its museum, shedding light on the landmark contributions of Christianity to the world from time immemorial.
Camille Lhuillier Palacio de Memoria General Manager
“We are the third-largest Catholic country in the world, and our religion is an important part of our history and our identity as Filipinos. Aside from their artistic merits, we hope the new pieces in our museum will help enlighten people about our Christian cultural heritage,” says Palacio de Memoria general manager Camille Lhuillier.
With the easing of the community quarantine, it is a good time to drop by the museum because there are fewer crowds which gives more time to look at and appreciate the new art pieces. Moreover, people may also find some comfort in the religious museum amid the pandemic.
The majority of the museum’s ecclesiastic collection dates back to the 14th century and spans across time until the 20th century. Among the new must-see items at the Palacio de Memoria museum are unique portraits showing religious figures in interesting and considerable variations from the conventional figurations, particularly those of Christ, the Virgin Mary, different saints, and other iconographies.
Museum visitors can also find paintings depicting religious life, including the 17th-century painting from Spain showing the martyrdom of Saints Fausto, Jenaro, and Marcial of Cordoba, as well as an oil painting dating back to the 17th century Flemish-Spanish school portraying the scourging of Christ.
Also part of the newly curated selection is ivory icons of ethical provenances, such as the Madonna and Child sculpture from 18th century Portugal and the Crucified Christ figure encased in a wooden frame. Museum-goers may also see reliquaries of venerated individuals including the apostles and various saints.
Moreover, Palacio de Memoria’s museum collection extends to church artifacts like furniture, altarpieces, and other items used in a liturgical ceremony. Collection highlights include a wooden oratorio with a tableau of the Holy Family in polychrome terracotta, a two-seat choir stall from 18th century Portugal, a wooden processional cross from Spain, and a bishop’s chair from Bolivia with a depiction of relief of Archangel Michael and the Blessed Virgin along with its wooden frame.
With all these, Palacio de Memoria’s Christian heritage museum unifies the educational and devotional functions of the pieces’ ecclesiastic history all in one place.
Aside from the new pieces, the museum will also soon serve as a chapel where religious gatherings such as an intimate wedding or baptism can be held.
Palacio de Memoria is located at 95 Roxas Boulevard, Tambo, Parañaque. Tours are also available upon request. For more information, visit https://www.palaciodememoria.com or follow @thepalaciodememoria on Facebook and @palacio.de.memoria on Instagram.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 25, 2020 | Lifestyle
Casa de Memoria is all set to usher in Tercero, its third major auction for the year featuring unique pieces that can complement the design and look of every living space.
To be held on September 26, 2020 (Saturday) at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, Tercero will feature more than 200 curated Euro-Filipino art pieces that can lend a timeless touch to your home.
Must-see masterpieces at Tercero are those of revered Filipino artists, such as the pair of 20th century fine prints by Spanish-Filipino artist, museum founder, and philanthropist Fernando Zobel de Ayala y Montojo titled “La Piedra del Caballo” and “Fragmento del Altar Mayor de la Catedral de Santiago” which are both initially priced at Php 30,000. Another masterpiece by renowned Filipino sculptor Isabelo Tampinco will also be featured at the auction. A statement piece for any household, Tampinco’s sculpture – a gladiator soldier in marble cast – bears a comparable likeness to the piece in the collection of the National Museum of the Philippines and is up for sale with a starting bid of Php 90,000.
Other specially curated Tercero lots that can instantly add splendor to any living space are artworks by celebrated artists from different parts of Europe. These include an original lithograph by 20th-century Spanish artist Joan Miró with a starting bid of only Php 18,000, a lithograph depicting “The Creation of Eve” by Salvador Dali with a starting bid of P60,000, and an oil painting of Saint Dorothy of Caesarea by Antonio Rivas priced at Php 20,000 to start.
In addition, Tercero will offer more of history’s most beautiful antiquities, heirlooms, and objets d’art ranging from paintings, furniture pieces, sculptures, memorabilia, centerpieces, and religious iconographies, among many others. These include a 19th century French Napoleon III style credenza in lacquered wood, a 17thcentury Flemish school oil on a copper painting depicting the Pericope Adulterae, a pair of ivory sculptures of ethical provenance depicting Greek goddesses Ceres and Chloris, and a 19th century French Art Nouveau Galle vase.
Explore the auction pieces and register for the auction at http://bit.ly/CasaDeMemoriaOnline. Registered members will have access to a console. If you won’t be able to join, absentee bids can be placed before the auction. Interested parties may also opt for telephone bidding.
For more details, call (02) 8253-3994 or e-mail he***@***********ia.com. For more information, visit https://www.casadememoria.com/ or follow @thecasadememoria on Facebook and @casadememoria on Instagram.
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