Ramon E.S. Lerma, chairman and chief specialist of Salcedo Auctions, shares these suggested “picks” among the lots to be offered at The Well-Appointed Life live and online auction this Saturday, 9 March at 2 p.m.

Bathing by the River, a 1939 oil on canvas by Fernando Amorsolo

A rare work from the “Golden Period” of the National Artist, the meticulous rendering of light and color infuses the painting with a sense of warmth and intimacy. The golden hues that suffuse the canvas evoke a feeling of serenity and tranquility, inviting viewers to linger and immerse themselves in the beauty of the moment. 

Portrait of Manuel de Yriarte, an 1885 oil on canvas by Félix Resurreción Hidalgo 

Described by a major Philippine collector as “the piece of the auction season,” this ethereal and handsome work is a testament to Filipino enlightenment, youthful promise and virtue — hallmarks of The Well-Appointed Life. The son of one of the artist’s first patrons, Don Francisco de Yriarte (the subject of a letras y figuras by Jose Honorato Lozano), Manuel attended military school and studied law in Madrid, and was part of the expatriate ilustrado circle at the end of the 19th century. He later returned to the country, serving as director of the National Museum. This painting is featured in the Roces book published by the Eugenio Lopez Foundation.

Sunrise, a 2013 oil on canvas by Betsy Westendorp

Measuring approximately 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 feet, this impressive large-scale painting was exhibited in the artist’s retrospective Passages: Celebrating the Artistic Journeys of Betsy Westendorp at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in 2021. The masterpiece draws inspiration from the captivating hues of the Philippine sky, preserving the memory of the artist’s enchanting moments with her husband viewing the horizon with her beloved husband. 

Green Eyes, an original and hand signed 2002 etching by Yoshitomo Nara

Heralding the inclusion of important Asian art in the roster of artists of The Well-Appointed Art, this very limited edition, one of only 35 in existence, depicts the Japanese contemporary master’s iconic childlike figure, adorned with expressive eyes that seem to pierce the soul, merging innocence with hints of rebellion or solitude. This delicate balance invites viewers into a realm where whimsy intertwines with profound contemplation, offering a glimpse into the intricacies of human emotion.

Buddha’s Nirvana, a 1986 ink on silk by Xia Jing Shan

This work by the acclaimed master of contemporary Chinese Buddhist art, who has been honored with a retrospective exhibition at The Palace Museum, Beijing, depicts a significant theme in Buddhist art. Surrounding the Buddha are his 10 major disciples, and above them, Queen Maya, the Buddha’s mother, and attendants are depicted. The concept of Nirvana symbolizes the cessation of afflictions and the entrance into a realm of tranquility and liberation.