Sketch of ‘Spoliarium’ unveiled at ManilaPen, authenticity yet to be confirmed

Richie Lerma, director of Salcedo Auctions, and Mark Choon, general manager of Manila Peninsula unveiled the "Boceto for Spoliarium" at the Manila Peninsula, Makati on Thursday, August 30, 2018.

Richie Lerma, director of Salcedo Auctions, and Mark Choon, general manager of Manila Peninsula unveiled the "Boceto for Spoliarium". Photo: KC Cruz.

The boceto (the Spanish word for sketch) is supposedly by Filipino artist Juan Luna. 

In an interview with Portia Ladrido for another publication, Lerma said that he initially dismissed the sketch. It was a signature in the bottom right hand corner that piqued his interest.

 

The Well-Appointed Life makes Philippine art history. . Salcedo Auctions proudly announces the greatest Philippine art discovery in recent memory - Juan Luna y Novicio’s ‘Boceto for Spoliarium’ (Rome, 1883). . This is the first time that this painting, long-thought lost, is being exhibited in public since 1893, and marks its long-awaited arrival in the country, whose struggle for freedom it perfectly symbolizes. . Preview starts on Thursday, 13 September and runs through Friday, 21 September, 10am-6pm at The Gallery, Level 3, The Peninsula Manila. Auction on Saturday, 22 September, 2pm at the Rigodon Ballroom. View the online catalogue at salcedoauctions.com. . The Well-Appointed Life by Salcedo Auctions is co-presented by The Peninsula Manila, in association with Singapore Airlines - Airline Partner, Phoenix Pulse - Official Fuel for Rare Automobiles, GBA Events Asia - Premium Event Specialist, and ANC-X - Media Partner. . @thepeninsulamanila @singaporeair @phoenixfuels @ancx.ph #phoenixpulse #gbaeventsasia #masterpiece #hero #artdiscovery #didyouknow #culture #arts #painting #collectors #auction #salcedosays #thewellappointedlife #twal2018 #spoliarium #boceto #juanluna

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Aug 30, 2018 at 5:17am PDT

Lerma in a video released by Salcedo Auctions noted the "unhesitating block letters that spell out the title of the artwork and the artist's name, to the distinctive manner in which the 'r' preceding the year 1883 echoes the manner in which the 'r' in Roma is inscribed in other know work by Luna painted in that city."

Baybayin of the Ilocano word "bulan"accompanied Luna's signature for the sketch. Luna and bulan both refer to the moon.

For Lerma, the penmanship is "clearly that of Luna."

The Signature of Juan Luna y Novicio on "Boceto for Spolarium." Photo: KC Cruz.

Salcedo Auctions announced the find as "the greatest Philippine art discovery in recent memory."

They further noted: 

This is the first time that the painting is being exhibited in public since 1893, marking its arrival in the Motherland, whose struggle for freedom was profoundly inspired by Luna's triumphant artistic achievement.

The preview of the "Boceto for Spoliarium" will run from September 13 to September 21 at The Gallery of The Peninsula Manila. It will be auctioned on Saturday, September 22, at the Rigodon Ballroom. — Aya Tantiangco, GMA News